Another Heritage win in Saigon – The Central Post Office

I blogged late last year on the long running battle to try and save the old French colonial Grand Magasin Charner department store building in Saigon (later and better known now as the Saigon Tax Trade Centre). After public protests some of the original building and its features may now be saved. Now news comes of another “win” hopefully, due to public pressure, in Saigon – the redecoration of the Central Post Office. In September last year the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group, which controls the old post office, started a refurbishment. Generally this was welcomed and good – US$235,000 earmarked for restoration, repairs to the leaking roof and replacement of cracked and broken plaster. However, they then started painting the building – a gaudy yellow! This has outraged many and now, after protests, the painting has stopped. Protestors claimed that the bright yellow did not reflect the buildings original patina. Now the decorators will consult with experts on a more suitable colour.

One problem is that sadly the Central Post Office has not yet been declared a national monument. This is odd as the neoclassical structure dates back to 1886 (opening in 1891) and the architect was none other than Gustave Eiffel. the building is currently on a list of structures to be declared national monuments including the Ben Thanh Market and the former Cercle des Officiers (which is also under threat – see this blog post).

the Post Office shortly after completion

The Post Office until quite recently

the rather unpleasant yellow paint job underway

And now under wraps!

the beautiful lobby