Ho Chi Minh City plans artistic lighting, 3D mapping for iconic landmarks

The municipal Department of Construction has tasked the Ho Chi Minh City Road Traffic and Technical Infrastructure Management Center with coordinating with relevant units and firms to develop plans for artistic lighting at key landmarks in the city center.

The initiative will begin with a review of existing decorative lighting systems installed at key symbolic sites.

These include the building of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Saigon Central Post Office, the Municipal Theater, also known as the Saigon Opera House, the State Treasury building, Ton Duc Thang Museum, Thu Ngu Flagpole, Ba Son Bridge, Mong Bridge, the Children’s House, and Ho Chi Minh City Museum.

Inspections will determine whether upgrades, repairs, or additional installations are needed to enhance their visual impact after dark.

A key component of the initiative is the application of 3D mapping technology onto building facades, allowing projections tied to the historical narratives of these landmarks.

Beyond landmark buildings, the city is also considering artistic and interactive lighting installations in public spaces such as 30/4 Park and Tao Dan Park, as well as along canal and riverside embankments that have been fully developed.

Other heritage and cultural sites such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Giac Lam Pagoda, Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market, and the Tomb of the Marshal in Ba Chieu, along with major gateway roads and bridges may be illuminated at night.

The effort follows a directive recently issued by Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang.

The municipal Department of Construction was assigned to team up with the municipal Department of Culture and Sports to facilitate artistic lighting activities, initially focusing on prominent landmarks and creating distinctive nighttime highlights.

The initiative is expected to enrich cultural experiences for both residents and visitors, contributing to the broader development of the city’s nighttime economy.