UNESCO BANGKOK announced today (2013 09 03)

Honourable Mention
Lost Bomb Shelter of The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Viet Nam

“lt is a great pleasure to inform you that your project, Lost Bomb Shelter of The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Viet Nam has been recognized with the Honourable Mention in the 2013 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation programme.” wrote Tim Curtis, Chief of Culture Unit UNESCO Bangkok, to the Hotel Metropole Hanoi.

“A total of 47 entries were received for the 2013 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation which represented a wide range of building typologies.

The restoration of the Lost Bomb Shelter has revealed yet another layer in the rich history of the Metropole Hotel, one of Hanoi’s most notable heritage buildings. Forgotten for decades until its rediscovery in 2011, the bomb shelter has been preserved in its original condition, with the unobtrusive addition of new mechanical and electrical installations to allow the space to be accessible and safe for public viewing. Through its sensitive approach and thoughtful interpretation, the project provides a rare glimpse into an important chapter of Vietnamese contemporary history.”

Under the management of Sofitel Legend general manager Kai Speth has created a unique history experience. A team of experts were busy in preparing the bomb shelter, famoushotels.org provided the text and prepared the illustrations as well as the guiding text plates of the exhibition. We also trained a team of “Ambassadors of History” to lead tours through “The Path of History” and into the bomb shelter.

“We are very proud to have been involved in this project, that we were able to lend our expertise to this dedicated team of wonderful hoteliers. But most of all our congratulations on this important day go to the people of Vietnam,” says Andreas Augustin, President of The Most Famous Hotels in the World.