Discover the Unique Architecture of the Da Nang Cham Sculpture Museum

Discover the Treasures and Unique Architecture of the Da Nang Cham Sculpture Museum

Nestled along the banks of the Han River, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is often likened to a treasure vault preserving the golden memories of the ancient Kingdom of Champa. The museum houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world, reflecting the brilliant developmental journey of a civilization that once flourished across central Vietnam. Each artifact represents a fragment of history, guiding visitors into a profound world of ancient art and spiritual belief.

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture – Where Time Stands Still by the Han River

Located at the intersection of 2 Thang 9 Street and Trung Nu Vuong Street, opposite the Dragon Bridge and overlooking the poetic Han River, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture appears as a tranquil oasis amid the city’s vibrant urban rhythm. Stepping through its historic yellow gate, visitors immediately sense a clear transition of space. Outside are traffic noise and city lights; inside is serenity, depth, and the faint fragrance of frangipani blossoms.

Construction of the museum began in 1915, making it the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the sculptural art of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Nearly 2,000 sandstone and bronze artifacts preserved here vividly reflect the spiritual life, culture, and artistic expression of the Cham people from the 7th to the 15th century. Exhibition halls are arranged according to excavation sites such as My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, and Thap Mam, leading visitors through an exploratory journey of a civilization that once thrived along Vietnam’s central coast.

Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture showcasing Cham sandstone artifacts

The History of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture Through the Ages

Formation period
1902	The first Cham artifacts were collected by French archaeologists from the École Française d’Extrême-Orient and gathered along the banks of the Han River, laying the foundation for the idea of a dedicated exhibition space.
1915 – 1916	The museum was officially commissioned under the proposal of Henri Parmentier, Head of the Archaeology Department of the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, with the aim of preserving and studying Champa antiquities.
1919	The museum opened to the public under the name Musée Cham, becoming the most important center for research and exhibition of Cham sculpture in Indochina at the time.
Expansion and development period
Late 19th century	Before the official building existed, French archaeologists such as Charles Lemire gathered artifacts at Tourane Park, an early open-air exhibition area along the Han River.
1915 – 1919	Architects Delaval and Auclair designed the building in a fusion of European Gothic style and Cham temple architecture, shaping the museum’s enduring architectural identity.
1930 – 1936	The museum was expanded with two additional wings, forming a U-shaped layout. From this period onward, artifacts were classified and displayed by excavation site, a structure that remains in use today.
1945 – 1975	War caused significant damage to the museum, resulting in the loss of many artifacts and documents. Subsequently, around 150 artifacts were recovered and continued to be preserved and studied.
2002 – Present	The museum underwent major investment, expansion, and modernization. In 2016, a comprehensive restoration was carried out while preserving the original architectural style. In 2021, the museum was officially recognized as a City-Level Historical Monument.

A Unique Architectural Fusion of French Style and Cham Temple Design

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is an architectural masterpiece where Eastern spirit harmoniously blends with Western aesthetic thought. The vision of Henri Parmentier, combined with the design expertise of Delaval and Auclair, created a space that is both scientifically structured and emotionally evocative.

The Imprint of the EFEO

From its inception in 1915, the museum has been closely associated with the École Française d’Extrême-Orient and archaeologist Henri Parmentier. French Gothic architecture is clearly reflected in the vaulted roofs, corridors, and restrained column rhythms, seamlessly combined with Cham temple motifs to create an atmosphere of solemnity and timelessness.

An Open Space Filled With Natural Light

The exhibition halls are designed with large windows and open corridors, allowing natural light to filter through and highlight every carved detail on the sandstone sculptures. Ancient frangipani trees within the museum grounds release a gentle fragrance, offering a rare sense of tranquility and inner peace amid the modern city.

Decoding the Journey Through the Museum’s Most Iconic Exhibition Halls

The museum’s exhibition system is organized by excavation sites, allowing visitors to easily follow the historical flow and artistic development of Champa civilization across different periods.

Decoding the most iconic exhibition halls at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

My Son Gallery: Where Hindu Deities Reign

The My Son Gallery carries a solemn and sacred atmosphere, evoking the sensation of stepping into an ancient sanctuary nestled within a holy valley. Soft natural light gently illuminates the dark sandstone blocks, highlighting the antiquity and formal elegance of the My Son artistic style.

At the heart of the gallery stands the My Son E1 altar, a masterpiece often described as a stone chronicle, where bas-reliefs narrate the ascetic life and divine world of the ancient Cham people. Carvings of hermits dwelling in mountain caves and depictions of Shiva performing the Tandava dance convey both majesty and vitality, as if the breath of Hindu belief still resonates within the space.

Tra Kieu Gallery: The Pinnacle of 10th-Century Cham Sculpture

Entering the Tra Kieu Gallery, the atmosphere becomes brighter and more fluid, reflecting the period when Cham art reached its aesthetic zenith. The space feels light and graceful, where each sculptural line appears to move silently through stone.

The Tra Kieu altar, a national treasure of the museum, immediately draws attention with its four-sided base carved with scenes depicting the wedding of Rama and Sita from the Ramayana epic. Apsara dancers and Gandharva musicians appear with supple postures, refined facial expressions, and intricate jewelry, forming an emotional and delicate symphony rendered in stone.

Dong Duong Gallery: The Majestic Beauty of Cham Buddhism

The Dong Duong Gallery offers a sense of stillness and solemnity from the moment visitors step inside. Carefully moderated lighting accentuates sculptures with bold, solid forms characteristic of Cham Buddhist art.

Square faces, full lips, and intersecting eyebrows create an imposing presence, giving viewers the feeling of confronting deep inner strength. Dominating the space is the statue of Bodhisattva Tara, a national treasure and the largest solid bronze sculpture of Cham art. Its profound gaze and serene expression evoke a sense of peace, serving as a spiritual pause amid the journey through history.

Thap Mam Gallery: The Rise of Mythical Guardian Creatures

The Thap Mam Gallery opens into an entirely different world, where Cham art enters a monumental and powerful phase. The broader space and large-scale works create an overwhelming impression at first glance. Mythical creatures such as Garuda, lions, and lion-elephants emerge with powerful forms, taut muscles, and meticulously carved details down to each claw.

The atmosphere conveys a spirit of protection and authority, reflecting the aspiration of Champa dynasties during the Vijaya period to assert their power. This is the space where visitors can clearly sense the transformation of Cham art from sacred spirituality to symbolic expressions of political strength.

Admire Three “One-of-a-Kind” National Treasures Preserved at the Museum

Within the contemplative atmosphere of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, three national treasures stand out as profound focal points, where the artistic excellence and spiritual depth of Champa culture are fully crystallized:

Tra Kieu Altar: A masterpiece of 10th-century Cham sculpture, narrating the wedding of Rama and Sita through graceful, emotionally rich bas-reliefs with harmonious composition.
Statue of Bodhisattva Tara: A rare solid bronze sculpture distinguished by its serene expression and deep gaze, representing the pinnacle of Cham Buddhist art.
My Son E1 Altar: An early hallmark of Cham art, where simple bas-reliefs reflect ascetic life and the divine world during the formative centuries of the kingdom.

Vintage-Inspired Photo Spots Within the Museum

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture features numerous spaces imbued with a slow, poetic beauty, ideal for capturing nostalgic and atmospheric photographs:

Vaulted corridors: Natural light creates interwoven patterns of light and shadow, accentuating classical French architecture and spatial depth.
Ancient frangipani tree in the courtyard: Its shade and gentle fragrance evoke a sense of calm, perfect for contemplative, timeless frames.
Spiral staircase: Soft curves and a vintage yellow hue recall early 20th-century architectural aesthetics, forming a highly artistic focal point.

Vintage photo spots at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Detailed Visitor Guide for First-Time Museum Guests

Address: 02 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission fee: VND 60,000 per visit (adults), VND 10,000 per visit (students)

For first-time visitors to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, choosing a suitable interpretation option can make the experience more complete and accessible. The museum currently offers various interpretation formats to meet the needs of different visitor groups, from solo travelers and families with children to international guests. Preparing some basic information in advance and keeping a few practical tips in mind will help you manage your time effectively, gain deeper insight into Cham art, and preserve the museum’s quiet and respectful atmosphere.

Available interpretation options at the museum:

Audio Guide (recommended for first-time visitors): Visitors can connect to the museum’s free Wi-Fi, access chamaudio.com or scan QR codes placed next to key artifacts. The content is concise, easy to understand, yet academically informative.
On-site tour guides: Suitable for large groups, school or university tours, or visitors wishing to engage in in-depth discussions about Champa history and art (advance arrangement required).
Self-guided visits without interpretation: Ideal for visitors with prior knowledge or those who prefer a brief visit focused on viewing artifacts and photography.

Details of the audio guide service:

Languages: Vietnamese, English, French
Content: Introductions to key works in the four main exhibition areas: My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, and Thap Mam
Cost: Completely free

Important notes before, during, and after your visit:

Before visiting: Fully charge your phone and bring personal earphones for clearer audio and to maintain a quiet shared environment.
During the visit: Follow the exhibition route to understand the continuous development of Cham art; maintain silence, do not touch artifacts, and avoid using external speakers.
After the visit: Take time to read explanatory panels, note memorable artifacts, or combine your visit with nearby cultural sites to gain a broader understanding of Champa heritage in Central Vietnam.

Combine Cultural Discovery with Refined Relaxation at Pullman Danang Beach Resort

After leaving the contemplative atmosphere of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, images of ancient artifacts, bas-reliefs, and mythical creatures linger in the mind. This is the moment when the journey calls for a pause—to reflect and unwind. Pullman Danang Beach Resort offers a serene seaside retreat along Bac My An Beach, where the body relaxes and the mind gradually finds balance.

A revitalizing foot massage at The Nắng Spa helps relieve fatigue after hours of exploration. As evening falls, Infinity Bar reveals a gentle seascape, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while reflecting on the historical values just discovered. Thanks to its convenient location, the journey from Pullman Danang Beach Resort to the museum takes only 10 to 15 minutes, making the experience seamless and unhurried.

Let Pullman Danang Beach Resort accompany you on a journey of heritage discovery and an unforgettable five-star retreat.