Ho Chi Minh City has a history of over 300 years and has now evolved into a prominent center for politics, economics, culture, education, and tourism in Vietnam. Despite the significant changes that have taken place, Ho Chi Minh City has managed to preserve its traditional values and unique architectural structures. One such example is the French buildings which serve as symbols of the city’s identity. Today, we will be visiting one of these destinations, the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
The museum can be found at 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City and operates from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Admission prices are 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for students with student cards. For further information, you may contact the museum at 028 3829 4441.
I. A Brief History of Fine Arts Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, also known as the Fine Arts Museum, is among the largest museums in Ho Chi Minh City. The building was constructed in 1929 and designed by French architect Mr. Rivera in a blend of Asian and European architecture. Initially serving as the family mansion of wealthy trader Hua Bon Hoa, the construction has witnessed numerous historical events such as The August Revolution in 1945 and the Renovation in 1986, yet it still retains its old-fashioned appearance.
In 1987, the museum was transformed into the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts by the City Peoples Committee, but did not open until 1992 due to a lack of artifacts. It now houses many sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that contribute to the growth of fine arts in Ho Chi Minh City. Mrs. Tran Thi Huynh Nga, wife of a well-known artist, established a contemporary art center within the museum where workshops, exhibitions, and performance events were held.
II. Highlights of Fine Arts Museum
1. The Architecture Outside Fine Arts Museum
Most museums across the globe, including those in Vietnam, are considered to be valuable works of art themselves, in addition to the artifacts they house. The Fine Arts Museum is no exception with its stunning Art-deco architecture.
This three-story building boasts a unique style that incorporates elements from both Asian and European fine arts schools. Upon arrival, visitors will notice a yellow building with arched window pivots located in a serene green space. The front of the construction features an archway with two short staircases leading to the main door. In the center, there is a small fountain adorned with two sculptures, creating an inviting ambiance.
The museum’s U-shaped design includes a small courtyard at the rear of the main building which receives plenty of sunlight. Notably, this was the first structure in Saigon to incorporate elevators into its design, and they were even decorated to resemble ancient Chinese palanquins. Additionally, the museum’s red-tiled rooftop is styled in Yin and Yang fashion, and the windows feature colorful glass with typical European art styles. All these intricate details make the Fine Arts Museum’s architecture a standout piece of art that beautifully blends salient features of East Asia and France.
2. The Structure Inside Fine Art Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts boasts a total area of 3,514 square meters and is divided into several sections serving distinct purposes. The basement houses the offices, while galleries and exhibition areas can be found on the first floor. On the second floor, visitors may admire fine art paintings, while antique sculptures and traditional handicrafts from South Vietnam’s ancient residents are located on the third floor.
A remarkable architectural feature of the museum is its grand entrance path, which includes a towering lobby, sizeable pillars, and stairs flanking both sides. The arch-shaped main door bears stylized steel characters reading H.B.H, representing Mr. Hua Bon Hoa’s name. Meanwhile, behind the museum lies a stele that commemorates the various owners of this building, most of whom belonged to Mr. Hua Bon Hoa’s family.
Inside the museum, visitors will traverse long corridors that lead to connected gallery rooms, all accessible through side doors. Each room features a green wooden door in front, leading to a small balcony bordered by simple vertical grids. Despite the simplicity, the museum’s interior is suffused with natural light and wind, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
The museum’s main corridor is yellow but gradually fades to gray as one progresses further down the hall. The warmth of red hues punctuates the tranquil atmosphere, lending a touch of modernity that blends harmoniously with the other colors. Altogether, these design elements combine to create a vibrant and lively work of architecture within the museum.
III. What to See at Fine Arts Museum?
The Fine Arts Museum is responsible for researching, gathering, conserving, and exhibiting fine arts-related documents and distinctive objects that represent Vietnamese ancient handicrafts, including noteworthy artworks from the southern region. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts showcases several such artifacts.
1. Ancient Bronze Sculptures in South Vietnam
The Southern region gallery houses unique ancient bronze sculptures of both Hindu and Buddhist deities created between the fourth to eleventh centuries. The collection comprises exquisite statues of Vishnu, Surya, Lakshmi, Uma, and Ganesa carved out of fine sandstone dating back from the fifth to the eleventh century. Additionally, there are Buddha statues sculpted between the fourth and tenth centuries made from giant crape-myrtle wood and fine sandstone.
2. Champa Ancient Sculptures
The Champa ancient sculptures are a distinct art form that can be found in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. This art form contributed to the diverse religious and ethnic culture of Vietnam by incorporating elements from India’s religion, customs, and architecture. The Champa style is unique and attractive, which can be observed in each sculpture.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts has on display various Hindu deities’ statues, reliefs, and semi-reliefs, including the Kinnara statue, Dvarapala and Colossus reliefs, Kala statue – a temple guardian monster, fairy dancers, and architectural artifacts such as altars and pillars. These artworks were crafted using rough sandstone or terracotta, dating back from the seventh to the fourteenth century.
3. The Statues in Tay Nguyen Tombs
In Vietnamese sculpture, the sculptures and statues in the tombs of the Central Highlands are a unique feature. This tradition has been upheld by the people of the region since primitive times due to their ancient beliefs.
One reason for the exceptional diversity of these tomb statues is that they were not bound by magical functions like other forms of art. Creating them required only simple tools such as axes and knives. Locals believed that the statues served as replacements for the deceased, contributing to their material and spiritual well-being. Popular subjects for these sculptures included figures of weeping individuals, mother and child, as well as nude men and women.
4. Vietnamese Ceramics (11th – 20th century)
Vietnamese traditional ceramic industry has persisted and grown despite the challenges encountered throughout history. Its peak was reached during the Ly Dynasty (1010 – 1225), Tran Dynasty (1226 – 1400), and Le Dynasty (1428 – 1527), where it produced numerous exquisite ceramic products that were exported to many countries around the world.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, Vietnam’s well-known ceramic centers, including Bat Trang, Phu Lang, Huong Canh, Thanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, and Bien Hoa, created various ceramic products with diverse designs, materials, and patterns that reflected their meticulous craftsmanship and harmonious artistry.
The discovery of South Vietnam in the late 17th century became a melting pot for Chinese immigrants, Vietnamese locals, Khmer locals, peasants, craftsmen, and those who had fled conflicts to start a new life. Among them were skillful craftsmen who used the region’s abundant clay to meet the demands of the local residents by creating innovative ceramic products.
6. Contemporary Art
The Fine Arts Museum holds a vast collection of contemporary paintings by renowned artists from Vietnam and around the globe. The exhibited works, such as those by Nguyen Gia Tri, Diep Minh Chau, Do Quang Em, and Trinh Cung, draw inspiration from the everyday life of the Vietnamese people and the stunning landscapes of Vietnam.
The artworks on display are categorized into two time periods: the first stretching from the early twentieth century until 1975, while the second covers the period from 1975 to present day. The collection showcases various creative trends and themes originating from Vietnam and other parts of the world. For those who wish to indulge in the world of fine arts, the Fine Arts Museum is an ideal destination to find inspiration and creativity.
IV. How to Get to Fine Arts Museum?
The Museum of Fine Arts, which is situated in the vibrant and opulent District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, is conveniently accessible. It is only a mere nine kilometers away from Tan Son Nhat Airport, and you can reach it effortlessly by taxi or motorcycle.
Alternatively, you could also opt for a budget-friendly mode of transportation and take one of the buses that travel to the Museum of Fine Arts. Bus numbers 03, 20, 65, and 93 will take you directly there.
V. Tips on Visiting
When visiting the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential not to touch any of the artworks on display, as they all have anti-theft sensors, and any accidental or intentional touching will trigger an alarm and raise suspicion from security guards.
Additionally, note that if you wish to take photos with a professional camera while inside the museum, you will be required to pay a fee of 300,000-VND. However, there is no charge for using a mobile phone camera.
To avoid carrying heavy luggage during your visit, there is a wardrobe available on the right side of the main entrance with separate rooms to store your belongings.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain a quiet atmosphere inside the museum so that everyone can fully appreciate the artworks without disturbance.
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnamese culture and artifacts. If you’re in District 1, don’t miss this fascinating destination. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and we’ll do our best to provide answers.
