People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City stands on Lê Thánh Tôn street. This government administrative building is in District 1. It serves as the headquarters for the city’s People’s Council. It also houses the People’s Committee. The building anchors the northwestern end of Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. This boulevard is a major pedestrian area. The structure showcases French colonial architecture. It holds recognition as a national architectural monument.

Construction began in 1898. Workers concluded building in 1909. French architect Paul Gardès designed the original structure. Locals knew it as the Hôtel de Ville de Saïgon. Gardès modeled its style on Parisian city halls. He also drew inspiration from northern French designs. After 1975, it became the Ho Chi Minh City government’s official workplace. The building functions as an active government office. Its interior does not offer public access for tourism. The city occasionally arranges limited tours.

The facade features a pastel yellow and white scheme. It blends Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts styles. A central belfry with a clock tower anchors the design. The exterior displays ornate sculptural work. Sculptors Louis-Lucien Ruffier and Bonnet created the bas-reliefs. These sculptures depict figures from classical French allegory. Experts from Lyon, France, installed the lighting system. This system illuminates the facade at night.

A public park space sits in front of the building. This park contains a statue of former leader Hồ Chí Minh. This area connects directly to Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. The building’s central location places it near other historic landmarks. The Saigon Opera House is one such landmark. It remains one of the city’s most recognizable structures. Many visitors photograph its facade. It symbolizes both colonial history and current administration.