Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang – A time portal to the ancient Champa civilization

Established in 1919, the Cham Sculpture Museum has served for over a century as the guardian of Vietnam’s largest Cham artifact collection, inviting visitors to step back into the golden era of a civilization that once flourished along the central coast.

A cultural landmark in the heart of Da Nang

• Location: 02, 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang City
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Ticket price: 60,000 VND/adult; 10,000 VND/student (with discounts for eligible groups)

Situated at the junction of 2 Thang 9 and Trung Nu Vuong Streets – right across from the Vietnam Television Center – the museum is easily accessible for both locals and travelers. Its 6,673 m² grounds are divided into spacious galleries, open courtyards, and leafy walkways shaded by frangipani trees. 

Out of this area, 2,000 m² is dedicated to exhibitions, while the rest houses archives, photographs, and rare documents that paint a fuller picture of the Champa legacy.

A brief journey through time

The origins of the museum trace back to the late 19th century, when French archaeologists from the French School of the Far East – École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) began collecting Cham sculptures from central Vietnam. Initially stored in Tourane Park, these artifacts laid the foundation for the museum.

A brief timeline of the museum’s development:

• 1915: Construction began under the guidance of Henri Parmentier (EFEO).
• 1916: Main structure completed.
• 1919: Officially opened to the public.
• 1930: Expanded to accommodate new discoveries, introducing the regional display layout still in use today.
• 2002: Added restoration workshops, research rooms, and climate-controlled storage.
• 2011: Recognized as a National Grade I museum for its heritage preservation efforts.
• 2016: Renovated while preserving its original architectural style.

An architectural blend of East and West

The museum itself is as fascinating as the treasures it holds. Designed by French architects Delaval and Auclair, the structure merges Cham temple motifs with Gothic-inspired architecture. 

Curved arches, pointed domes, and airy rooms with large windows create a sense of both solemnity and openness. The warm yellow facade, weathered by time, contrasts beautifully with the white blossoms of the courtyard’s frangipani trees – a serene welcome before stepping inside.

Treasures of the Champa Kingdom

Vast and varied exhibitions

The museum safeguards over 2,000 Cham artifacts, with around 500 on display at any given time. Most are carved from sandstone, terracotta, or bronze, dating from the 7th to 15th centuries. Exhibits are arranged by the regions where they were excavated, such as My Son, Tra Kieu, Thap Mam, Quang Tri, and Quang Ngai, allowing visitors to appreciate regional artistic differences.

The sculptures depict a rich tapestry of Champa life and mythology with various sculptures of deities: 

• Shiva – The Hindu god of destruction and transformation.
• Naga – The mythical serpent deity.
• Lakshmi – The goddess of fortune and prosperity.

National Treasures on display

Among the collection are three officially recognized National Treasures:

• My Son E1 Altar: Carvings of Hindu ascetics amid lush forest scenes.
• Tra Kieu Altar: Known for its exquisite, intricate bas-reliefs.
• Tara Bodhisattva Statue: The largest bronze Cham sculpture ever found, standing over 1.1 meters tall.

Enhancing your visit to the Cham Sculpture Museum 

Modern visitor services

• Free automatic audio guide: Accessible via the museum’s Wi-Fi at https://chamaudio.com in Vietnamese, English, or French. You can follow curated tours or scan QR codes beside each artifact.
• Guided tours: Available for groups of five or more in Vietnamese, English, or French. English/French tours require at least three days’ advance booking.

Visitor etiquette

• Avoid touching the artifacts or leaning on display stands.
• Store large bags at the counter.
• Dress neatly and respectfully.
• Refrain from bringing flammable or dangerous items.

A visit to the Cham Sculpture Museum is more than a cultural stop – it’s an immersive encounter with the artistry, spirituality, and history of one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable civilizations. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about Vietnam’s diverse heritage, this museum offers a rare chance to witness the creative genius of the Champa people up close.

As you wander through the halls, past centuries-old sculptures bathed in natural light, you’ll feel the presence of a civilization whose legacy continues to inspire. In the ever-modernizing city of Da Nang, the Cham Sculpture Museum stands as a quiet reminder of the beauty and depth of the past.