COPE Visitor Centre

Overview

The COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane, Laos, serves as a poignant educational hub, revealing the enduring impact of the ‘Secret War’ and the pervasive presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Far more than a traditional museum, it is the public face of the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE), an organization committed to providing vital rehabilitation services. The centre offers a profound understanding of the humanitarian challenges faced by Laos, showcases the remarkable resilience of its people, and highlights the ongoing efforts to help survivors move forward. Visitors gain insight into this tragic history and the life-changing work supported by donations. Entry is free, fostering accessibility to this crucial narrative.

History & Cultural Background

Laos holds the distressing record of being the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Between 1964 and 1973, during the ‘Secret War’ that coincided with the Vietnam War, over two million tons of ordnance were dropped by the United States. A staggering 80 million cluster bomblets failed to detonate, remaining active and deadly across the landscape. These dormant explosives continue to cause severe injuries and fatalities, particularly among rural communities and unsuspecting children. In response to this urgent crisis, the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) was established in 1996 by the Lao Ministry of Health and non-governmental organizations. Its core mission was to deliver essential prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services to survivors. The COPE Visitor Centre was subsequently opened in 2008, specifically to raise public awareness about the UXO crisis and to garner support for COPE’s transformative work.

What Makes It Special

The COPE Visitor Centre offers an exceptionally immersive and deeply affecting experience. Visitors are met with powerful visual statements, such as the COPE sign crafted from used prosthetic feet and an outdoor sculpture of a mother and child ingeniously made from discarded bomb materials. Inside, interactive exhibits vividly portray the grim reality of UXO’s impact on daily Lao life. Displays feature recovered ordnance, illustrate mine clearance techniques, and present compelling video testimonies from survivors. The unique ‘Cave Cinema’, reminiscent of wartime bunkers, screens insightful documentaries that provide historical context and detail COPE’s rehabilitation efforts. A particularly striking exhibit is a full-scale replica of a rural Laotian stilt house, where everyday items are fashioned from military remnants. This display powerfully underscores both the resourcefulness of the Lao people and the inherent danger they face when interacting with explosive materials.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The narratives shared at the COPE Visitor Centre are intensely personal, highlighting immense suffering but also extraordinary resilience. Many UXO, especially small cluster bomblets, tragically resemble toys, leading to accidental detonation by curious children. Farmers are frequently at risk while working their land, underscoring the ongoing threat to rural livelihoods. The centre emphasizes that fully clearing Laos of UXO is a monumental, multi-decade undertaking. Interestingly, all proceeds from the on-site Karma Cafe, which offers fair-trade coffee and ice cream, and the gift shop directly fund COPE's vital rehabilitation programs. These contributions help provide crucial artificial limbs, walking aids, and therapy, fostering renewed mobility and independence for survivors. A significant historical detail is the 2016 visit by then-US President Barack Obama, who acknowledged America's partnership in addressing the UXO legacy.

Visitor Perspective

Travelers consistently describe a visit to the COPE Visitor Centre as an incredibly eye-opening, moving, and profoundly essential experience in Vientiane. It transcends typical tourism, offering an educational journey that leaves a lasting impact. The centre is widely praised for its clear and informative presentation of a complex, often-overlooked humanitarian crisis. Personal testimonies and powerful visual aids cultivate deep empathy and understanding. Many consider it a ‘must-visit’ destination, encouraging others to engage with this critical aspect of Laos's modern history. Despite the somber subject, the atmosphere also conveys hope and positive action, showcasing the transformative power of COPE’s work. Visitors are advised to allocate at least two to three hours to fully explore the exhibits and documentaries, allowing ample time for reflection on the human spirit’s enduring strength amidst adversity.