Museum of Cham Sculpture

Museum in Da Nang

CC BY-SA 4.0 / RG72

The Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang showcases ancient artifacts and artworks from the Cham Kingdom, offering visitors a unique glimpse into history that goes beyond any textbook.

Overview of the Museum of Cham Sculpture

Located at the intersection of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong streets by the Han River, this museum is the largest Cham museum in Vietnam and a cultural pride of Da Nang. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture was established by the French in 1915 to preserve and display relics of the ancient Cham civilization. Opened to the public in 1919, it houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Champa cultural artifacts.

Historical Significance

Founded by the École Française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO), the museum began as a collection of relics from Cham temples and towers across Central Vietnam. These artifacts were initially displayed at Tourane Park (now Han River) before the museum officially opened in 1919. Several expansions over the years have enhanced the museum’s capacity, research facilities, and display areas, including contemporary Cham culture.

Architectural Highlights

The building combines classical European Gothic elements with Cham design, influenced by Cham temple architecture with a distinct pyramid-shaped roof. Designed by French architects Delaval and Auclai, the structure integrates large, well-lit rooms with views of the surrounding cityscape. Despite renovations, its original design remains largely intact over a century later.

Exhibits and Treasures

Spanning a total area of 6,673 square meters, the museum displays approximately 500 artifacts out of a collection of over 2,000 items. These relics, from the 5th to the 15th centuries, depict themes such as fertility, mythical creatures, and figures from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Each gallery, named after the excavation sites like Tra Kieu and My Son, provides an immersive look into the Cham people’s cultural and religious heritage.

Three national treasures are housed here:

My Son E1 Altar – Depicts the life of Hindu monks in a forest setting.
Tra Kieu Altar – A masterpiece of Cham sculpture with intricate carvings.
Tara Bodhisattva Statue – The only bronze artifact in the museum, standing over a meter tall and showcasing delicate craftsmanship.

Visitor Guidelines

Show your entrance ticket at the door.
Avoid touching or climbing on artifacts.
Refrain from bringing large bags or hazardous items into the museum.
Maintain cleanliness and dress modestly.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture offers a fascinating journey through the artistic legacy of the Cham Kingdom, making it an unmissable destination for history lovers in Da Nang.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Da Nang!

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