Situated at the Vinhomes Imperia complex in Hong Bang District, Alien Coffee opened a year ago under the proprietorship of Hoang Anh Tuan, 43.
Tuan, known by the nickname AlienDVD in Vietnam's model collecting community, is renowned for being the proprietor of the most authentic, valuable, and extensive model collection in the country.
On April 15, the Vietnam Records Organization officially confirmed the café as the holder of the record for displaying the largest collection of authentic superhero, game character, comic book hero and movie icon models.
The café's first floor, spanning 200 meters square, primarily consists of glass cabinets filled with models. Here there are only four tables for patrons.
According to Tuan, customers tend to move around the café, admiring the models and taking photos, making extra seating unnecessary.
Currently, Alien Coffee showcases 1,679 models, although Tuan's personal collection boasts 5,000 models.
The left section of the café displays Authentic Statue Marvel DC products from leading manufacturer Queen Studio, ranging in size from 1/4 scale to full-size, all made from polystone with weights averaging from 20 kilograms to over 100 kilograms per piece.
In the middle section, visitors can marvel at a half-size statue models of the original Iron Man manufactured by CM Studio, while above, a display shelf showcases 1/6 scale superheroes from model company Hottoys, based in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the first floor features an experience area where visitors can immerse themselves in the superhero world by trying on various accessories.
Tuan emphasizes that despite being experiential, all items are genuine, with prices ranging from VND4 million (US$157) to several tens of million dong.
Transformers were the first models that Tuan collected. From a young age, his enthusiasm for gaming and superhero movies was clear. He saved money to visit toy stores and buy these models. As he began working and his financial situation improved, he continued to invest in expanding his collection with his favorite models.
Ten years ago, whenever a Transformer model went on sale at a shopping center in Hai Phong, Tuan made sure to purchase it. This consistent effort led to the growth of his collection over time.
At Alien Coffee, there is a collection of 1:1 scale Iron Man models and busts valued at hundreds of millions dong (several thousand to tens of thousands of U.S. dollars). Notably, the Iron Man models constitute the largest portion of the collection, totaling 300 models.
Tuan faced difficulties in obtaining Transformer models in Hai Phong due to lack of availability. As a result, he shifted his focus to collecting superhero models from well-known foreign brands. These acquisitions were primarily made through online platforms.
Tuan purchased a golden Iron Man model, one of only 300 in the world, for VND18 million ($707). But now its market price exceeds VND100 million.
Additionally, the café also houses various limited editions, some of which were produced many years ago and are highly sought after, with prices 10 times higher than their original release.
According to Tuan, based on invoices and market price estimates, the total value of his model collection is nearly US$1 million. Despite this substantial value, Tuan emphasized that he has no intention of selling any of his models, stating, "I am a collector, not a businessman."
Since its opening, Alien Coffee has attracted numerous visitors and has evolved into a gathering spot for model collecting enthusiasts.
Currently, the café owner has submitted an application to the Guinness World Records Organization, seeking recognition for owning the largest collection of models in the world.
