The Kiến Trung Palace is one of the five unique and important buildings on the Dungdao axis of the Imperial City of Huế, Vietnam, under the Nguyễn dynasty. Along with the Thai Hòa Palace, Cần Chánh Palace, Càn Thành Palace, and Khôn Thái Palace, it played a significant role in the royal court.
The Kiến Trung Palace was built during the reign of King Khải Định in the period 1921-1923. In 1932, King Bảo Đại renovated the interior of the palace and added many Western conveniences. It served as the working and living place of the last two kings of the Nguyễn dynasty, Khải Định and Bảo Đại.
In 1947, due to the destruction of war, the palace was completely destroyed, leaving only the foundation. The ruins of the Kiến Trung Palace remained for decades.
In 2013, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province initiated a project to restore the Kiến Trung Palace. In February 2019, the restoration and refurbishment project was started with a total investment of nearly 124 billion VND, focusing on the renovation and refurbishment of the palace’s structures such as the surrounding walls, railing system, Kiến Trung floor, Tiền Viên and Hậu Viên courtyards, as well as small buildings and technical infrastructure systems, and greenery.
By February 2024, the project has completely restored the palace on the once desolate foundation. Photo by TTBTDTCĐ Huế.
According to architectural experts, the Kiến Trung Palace is a unique and distinctive architectural work with all the characteristics of an Indochinese-style building, combining elements from both Asia and Europe.
The Kiến Trung Palace is adorned with intricate decorations, patterns, and motifs that reflect the essence of Huế’s royal court designs, creating a distinct aesthetic style. This is the Indochinese architectural style created by the Vietnamese people.
Intricate and delicate dragon statues are placed at the entrance of the palace.
The front exterior of the palace is adorned with elaborate decorations and delicate ceramic and other materials.
Dragon motifs are the prominent decorations in the Kiến Trung Palace architecture.
Exquisite craftsmanship can be seen in every detail of the palace’s decorations.
Exquisite traditional ceramic artworks are displayed inside the palace. Photo by FB P.T.Định.
The Kiến Trung Palace, after its restoration, officially opens to visitors in early 2024, showcasing the magnificence and beauty of this unique and important architectural gem of the Nguyễn dynasty. It has become an interesting and attractive destination for tourists and locals visiting Huế’s Imperial City heritage site.
