Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
Welcome to the artistic extravaganza housed at 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City – a.k.a. the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, standing tall and cheekily opposite the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam.
This cultural haven has a backstory as intriguing as the art it holds, initially built in the ’30s by the French as a swanky study spot for their daughters.
Fast forward to 1962, and the Ministry of Culture decided to give it a Vietnamese makeover, turning it into a permanent showcase of fine arts.
Talk about a makeover that would make even Cinderella envious!
Art Odyssey: From 20th Century Western to Vietnamese Village Chic
Witness the architectural rollercoaster from Western glam to Vietnamese charm as you stroll through the 4,200 m² wonder.
Inaugurated officially in 1966, it expanded faster than your Insta followers in 1997-1999, boasting a total area of 4,737 m² and an art display area of 3,000 m²—the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts – where art meets architectural evolution.
Time Capsules of Vietnam’s Artistic Journey
Dive deep into the 18,000 domestic artifacts, a visual odyssey spanning prehistoric times to the present.
Marvel at Stone Age and Iron Age wonders, or get your fix of Ly-Tran dynasty finesse.
The museum is a time machine with stops at Tay Son-Nguyen dynasty extravagance, wartime resistance resilience, and a peek into 20th-century iconography.
Copycats and Canvas Stars
Meet the maestros behind the strokes – Nguyen Gia Tri, To Ngoc Van, Tran Van Can, Nguyen Phan Chanh, and Luong Xuan Nhi – all showcased in the museum.
But hold on to your art appreciation hats because, according to Nora Taylor, about half of the displayed paintings are cheeky duplicates!
A wild twist – during the Vietnam War, the originals pulled a vanishing act, and the copies took center stage.
The originals played hard to get post-war, never entirely returning to their rightful spots.
Wrapping It Up: A Museum with Attitude
The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts isn’t just a building; it’s a sassy storyteller narrating Vietnam’s artistic saga with flair.
Step in for a dose of history, drama, and artistic attitude.
It’s where the past meets the present, and the originals play hide and seek!
Masterpieces and Mayhem: Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts
| Location | 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City |
|---|---|
| Architectural Evolution | Built by the French in the 1930s, transformed into Vietnamese charm in 1962 |
| Size | Total Area: 4,737 m², Display Area: 3,000 m² |
| Artistic Journey | Prehistoric to Present – Stone Age, Iron Age, Ly-Tran Dynasties, Tay Son – Nguyen Dynasty, Wartime Resistance, 20th-century Iconography |
| Featured Artists | Nguyen Gia Tri, To Ngoc Van, Tran Van Can, Nguyen Phan Chanh, Luong Xuan Nhi |
| Originality Quotient | About half of the paintings are copies, a post-war mystery! |
Time Capsules of Vietnam’s Artistic Journey
| Section | Art Style |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts of Prehistoric – Early History | Various artifacts from prehistoric times |
| Stone Age Art | Artistic wonders from the Stone Age |
How much does it cost to go to the Fine Arts museum in Vietnam?
The entrance fee to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is 40,000 VND.
Address:
- 66 P. Nguyễn Thái Học, Điện Biên, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Contact:
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 8:30–17:00
Entrance Fee:
- 40.000 VND
