The Alexandre Yersin Museum offers a fascinating tribute to one of history’s most important scientists: Dr. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943). This compact, yet significant, museum allows visitors to step back in time and explore the extraordinary life and contributions of the French-Swiss bacteriologist who dedicated over 50 years of his life to Vietnam. It stands as a deeply respected cultural and historical relic in Nha Trang.
A Legacy of Science and Humanity
Yersin is best known for his groundbreaking discovery of the Yersinia pestis bacterium, the cause of the bubonic plague, in 1894. Following this achievement, he established the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute in 1895, which became a crucial research facility for tropical diseases. Furthermore, Yersin demonstrated a profound commitment to the Vietnamese people. He founded medical schools, introduced rubber and quinine-producing trees to the country, and even helped establish Da Lat as a prominent hill station. Locals revered him for his compassion and simple life, considering him a humanitarian above all else.
What Visitors Will Discover
The museum meticulously preserves artifacts from Yersin’s life and work. Although the exhibition space is small, it contains a surprisingly rich collection.
Scientific Instruments: Visitors will view Yersin’s original laboratory equipment, including his microscope (the one he likely used to discover the plague bacillus), antique Leroy clocks, astronomical instruments, and a morse code antenna. These items vividly illustrate his multifaceted scientific pursuits.
Personal Artifacts: The museum showcases his personal belongings, such as furniture, his extensive library of over a thousand books, handwritten letters, and his photography equipment, which document his expeditions across the Central Highlands.
Historical Documentation: The exhibits feature photographs and documents (with captions in English, French, and Vietnamese) that trace his career, his humanitarian efforts, and his deep connection to Vietnam.
Planning Your Visit
The museum is conveniently located near the main beach road in Nha Trang. Because of its small size and focused content, a visit typically takes about one hour.
| Information Point | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang. | A central location on Trần Phú Street. |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and major holidays. Please check before visiting. |
| Entrance Fee | Adults: ~20,000 – 26,000 VNĐ | Students/Children often receive discounted or free admission. |
| Phone | Contact the Pasteur Institute of Nha Trang at +84 258 3822 355 | Use this number for the most current information. |
| Visitor Tip | Aim for a morning visit, as the museum closes for a long lunch break. | The ticket booth is usually at the security hut near the entrance gate. |
Visiting the Yersin Museum provides a rare opportunity to connect with the historical figure who shaped modern medicine in Vietnam and left an enduring cultural legacy in Khánh Hòa Province.
