A thematic exhibition entitled ‘Con Dao Now and Then’ is taking place at the Museum of Da Nang until 2 May. 

Co-organised by the museums of Da Nang and Con Dao, the event features over 550 photos of Con Dao prison island in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and the struggles of its prisoners from 1862 - 1975, the development of Con Dao Island from 1975 - 2016, and the island’s vision towards 2030.

The 18-day exhibition aims to help local residents and visitors gain an insight into the historic struggles of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers who were imprisoned on the island.  Initially established in 1862 by the French colonists, the prison island was turned into the largest ‘Hell on Earth’ in Indochina.

A visitor at the exhibition (photo: giaoduc.edu.vn)

To mark the event, the Museum of Con Dao has donated 3 original leg irons used by the Vietnamese puppet forces and the US military troops to restrain Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers in the prisons.  Many former Con Dao prisoners living in Da Nang have also presented a number of valuable items which they used or collected during their time in the prisons.