New Exhibition: Charlie Chaplin Returns to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
In a remarkable celebration of film history and timeless glamour, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is once again graced by the spirit of Charlie Chaplin, the legendary silent film icon. Nearly a century after Chaplin honeymooned at this historic hotel in 1936, the Metropole is paying tribute to his legacy with a captivating exhibition of memorabilia from one of the world’s largest private Charlie Chaplin collections.
The exhibit is truly a cinematic homecoming, titled “Chaplin in Hanoi: A Legendary Return,” is housed within the hotel’s heritage wing and showcases an exclusive selection of rare artifacts, photographs, letters, personal items, original film posters, and props spanning Chaplin’s iconic career.
The collection is curated from a globally renowned private archive and includes treasures never before displayed in Vietnam. An opening event was held on June 24 at Metropole Hanoi, kicking off a month-long showcase in the hotel’s Heritage Wing and Opera Wing lobbies. The show runs until July 22.
Charlie Chaplin’s connection to the Metropole is both romantic and historic. He visited the hotel with his third wife, Paulette Goddard, during their honeymoon in 1936 while en route through Asia. They stayed in what is now the Charlie Chaplin Suite, an opulent, colonial-style accommodation that remains one of the hotel’s most storied rooms. This suite is part of the Metropole’s Legendary Suites, which honor notable past guests like Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham.
Now, nearly 90 years later, Chaplin’s cinematic charm returns to where it once lingered, offering guests and visitors a rare glimpse into the life of a man whose artistry transcended borders and generations. The exhibition not only commemorates Chaplin’s stay but also reflects the Metropole’s enduring role as a cultural crossroads and sanctuary for artists, writers, diplomats, and celebrities.
George Koumendakos is the General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and states, “What makes this event even more special is that this marks the very first time that part of Macdonald’s collection has been exhibited in Asia. We are truly honored that Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is its next destination. Today, one of our Heritage Wing suites proudly bears Chaplin’s name, and this curated tribute is a celebration of that enduring connection.”
The exhibit is open to Hotel Metropole Hanoi hotel guests and the general public, offering guided tours, film screenings, and special afternoon teas inspired by Chaplin’s era. Interactive digital installations and audio guides narrated with anecdotes about Chaplin’s life bring the collection to life for modern audiences.
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events. It’s also a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state. The luxury hotel blends colonial heritage with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity. The hotel is the first Sofitel Legend in the world and the recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in luxury hospitality, where heritage properties like the Metropole serve not just as accommodations, but as living museums that connect guests with moments in world history. For film lovers, historians, and travelers alike, the return of Chaplin to Hanoi represents a rare opportunity to experience the magic of silent cinema in a setting as legendary as the man himself.
From his signature bowler hat and cane to handwritten correspondence and iconic stills from City Lights and Modern Times, the exhibition captures the essence of Chaplin’s genius. More than a display, it is a tribute to timeless artistry—and a reminder that some legends never leave, they simply return home.
