HCMC – The 100-plus-year-old Ben Thanh market, an iconic structure in the center of HCMC, has got a facelift.

The exterior of the building has been repainted in its original color.

A vendor at the Ben Thanh market said the repainting makes the market more beautiful and attractive to tourists.

Due to the deterioration of the traditional wet market, the management board of the market proposed repainting the four sides of the building using its own money and private-sector sources.

According to the market management board, an artistic lighting system will be installed.

Built from 1912 till the end of March 1914, the market covers 13,000 square meters of land, surrounded by the streets of Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton and Quach Thi Trang Square.

At the market, customers can find garments, textiles, shoes and footwear, handicrafts and food.

The market was last renovated in 1985.