A Small Museum, A Vast History
The Alexandre Yersin Museum, located in the heart of Nha Trang's beachfront boulevard, sits near the coastline in Nha Trang's city center and is dedicated to the French microbiologist. The museum is housed on the 2nd floor of the Pasteur Institute building in Nha Trang and was recognized as a historical and cultural heritage by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture in 1991.
The museum is modest in scale, consisting of 3 rooms, with signage primarily in French. More than 1,200 artifacts are on display, ranging from rare scientific instruments to personal letters, photographs, and field journals. The microscope that Yersin used when discovering the plague bacillus is exhibited, allowing visitors to directly appreciate his scientific achievements.
Dr. Yersin: The Discoverer of Plague Bacillus
Alexandre Yersin (1863–1943) was a Swiss-born French bacteriologist and one of the discoverers of Yersinia pestis (plague bacillus). Yersin studied medicine at the University of Marburg and Paris, and later conducted bacteriology research under Émile Roux in Paris and Robert Koch in Berlin.
In 1894, he was dispatched to Hong Kong, where he made the historic discovery of the plague bacillus alongside Kitasato Shibasaburo (Japan). Remarkably, he succeeded in isolating the plague bacillus in just 15 days—an extraordinary achievement. This discovery became a landmark accomplishment that transformed the history of modern bacteriology and medicine.
Founding the Pasteur Institute: 50 Years in Nha Trang
Returning to Indochina in 1895, Yersin established a small laboratory in Nha Trang to produce serums. In 1905, this laboratory became a branch of the Pasteur Institute. Founded in 1895, the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute conducted microbe research, vaccine production, and medical training while serving not only scientific purposes but also as a soft power tool for French colonial administration.
In Nha Trang, Yersin prepared serums against plague in humans and livestock, and conducted research on livestock diseases, tetanus, cholera, and smallpox. He was also a pioneer in introducing rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) imported from Brazil to Indochina, and adapted cinchona trees to meet Indochina's quinine demand during World War II. Additionally, he discovered the source of the Dong Nai River and explored the Lam Vien Plateau, recommending the construction of what would become the city of Dalat.
Yersin spent over 50 years in Nha Trang, making significant contributions across multiple fields beyond medicine. Although he co-discovered the plague bacillus that bears his name, he is better known throughout Vietnam by the affectionate nickname "Ông Năm (Uncle Five)." After his death on March 1, 1943, a street was named in his honor, and his grave is visited annually with ceremonial rites performed beneath the pagoda.
Visiting Information & Tips
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 10 Trần Phú Street, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa Province |
| Opening Hours | 7:30 AM–11:30 AM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM (Closed Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays) |
| Admission | Adults: 20,000 VND; Free for people with disabilities and children under 120 cm |
| Parking | 3,000 VND at the institute |
When visiting the museum, please note the following:
- Photography is prohibited.
- Exhibit descriptions are primarily in French and Vietnamese. Visiting with a guide will help you better understand each artifact. It is recommended to inquire at the Pasteur Institute before your visit regarding the availability of English or Korean-speaking guides.
- The location is easily accessible on foot along central Trần Phú beachfront boulevard. Alexandre Yersin Park on Trần Phú Street is located just north of the institute.
A Space Where History and Science Converge
The Yersin Museum is not merely a tourist attraction but a testament to Nha Trang's role as a center stage in modern scientific history. In one museum, you can encounter the world-historic achievement of plague bacillus discovery, a lifetime of dedication to Vietnam, and the multifaceted dimensions of Yersin as a physician, explorer, and agronomist. Whether you are a history enthusiast or interested in medicine and science, a visit will provide a meaningful opportunity to deeply understand Nha Trang's cultural heritage.
For the latest opening hours and special events, it is recommended to contact the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute directly (Tel: 058-382-2355) before your visit.
Verify Latest Information
Admission fees, operating hours, transportation, and tour inclusions may vary by season and operational circumstances, so please confirm with official channels before your visit.