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Discover the timeless art treasury at the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City and capture magical moments. Schedule a date with friends today!
When traveling to a distant city, explore not only landmarks and entertainment but also visit museums, where valuable treasures of history, culture, and art are preserved. Particularly, in a culturally rich place like Saigon, the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City promises an intriguing treasure trove to explore. Don't miss out on this Instagram-worthy space that will leave you in awe. Let's embark on a journey with Klook Vietnam to visit this stunning museum in the heart of the city.
Introduction to the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is a hub for art exhibitions and showcases, and the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City stands out as one of the prominent architectural landmarks in the city. Often considered a favorite check-in spot for art and culture enthusiasts, this museum defies the stereotype of dull and monotonous museums.
The building, existing for over a century, was originally the residence of Chinese businessman Hui Bon Hoa (also known as Chú Hỏa) before being repurposed into a museum. With its impressive design and meticulous details, it's a perfect place for an Instagram-worthy experience!
Established in 1987, the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City officially opened its doors to visitors in 1989 after thorough preparations.
The museum's exhibition space is divided into two main areas: ancient to modern art and contemporary art, featuring over 22,000 artifacts, valuable collections, and national treasures, reflecting the distinctive artistry of Saigon and the Southern region.
After 35 years of continuous efforts, the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City has evolved into one of Vietnam's major art centers, consistently developing to meet the public's artistic appreciation needs.
Address of the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
- The museum is located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Situated in the prime location of Ben Thanh Square with four surrounding streets: Pho Duc Chinh – Le Thi Hong Gam – Calmette – Nguyen Thai Binh, the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is a convenient and accessible destination for visitors.
Guide on How to Reach the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
To get to the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose to travel by personal vehicle, public bus, or tourist bus with various starting points depending on your preferences and needs.
If driving a car or motorbike, starting from Notre-Dame Cathedral, head south on Le Duan Street and turn left onto this road. Continue until you reach the intersection with Nguyen Thai Binh Street, then turn right and go about 200m further until you encounter the intersection with Pho Duc Chinh Street.
For those who prefer public bus transportation, take note of routes passing by the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, such as: 01, 102, 34, 39, 38, 44, 86.
Additionally, the double-decker buses Hop On Hop Off Vietnam or Vietnam Sightseeing Bus are interesting options for those who want to visit the Fine Arts Museum and other famous attractions in the city named after Uncle Ho.
Moreover, when traveling with a large group or family, Klook has an optimal solution for you: rent a private car with a driver that is both safe and economical, allowing you to relax comfortably in the vehicle without worrying about crowded roads.
Opening Hours of Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
- The Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week. This time frame is quite convenient for your visits.
Ticket Prices for Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City Reference
The Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City has the following ticket prices:
- Adults: 30,000 VND/person
- Children from 6-16 years old, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities: 15,000 VND/person
- Children under 6 years old: Free
History of Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
This magnificent building formerly belonged to Mr. Hua and the Hua family, with mysterious legends dating back nearly 100 years in the heart of Saigon.
Mr. Hua was a renowned Hoa businessman and the wealthiest person in Saigon in the first half of the 20th century. His family owned numerous villas across the Saigon-Gia Dinh-Cholon area and made significant contributions to the city's development at that time.
In addition to mansions, Mr. Hua also built various public structures such as hospitals, pagodas, etc., to serve the people of Saigon. Some of these structures are still in use today, including the Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Majestic Saigon Hotel, Tu Du Hospital, Saigon General Hospital, Government Guesthouse, Ky Vien Pagoda, Phung Son Pagoda, and many banks and business headquarters in District 5.
In 1929, the Hua family commissioned the construction of the mansion in an opulent, classical Baroque style, perfectly combining French and Chinese architecture, based on the design of architect Rivera.
In 1934, the building was officially completed.
After 1975, the Hua family dispersed to France for living, and this building was taken over by the liberation forces.
In 1987, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum was officially established in this very building.
By 1992, the museum had commenced its official operations.
In 2012, the museum was recognized as a city-level architectural and artistic monument.
Starting as an imposing mansion used for both exhibition and storage, in 2010, the museum expanded to include a second building. By 2015, the presence of a third building formed a harmonious, distinctive, and unified whole for the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, attracting many tourists when visiting Saigon.
Since then, the museum has become a repository and exhibition space for numerous famous artworks, antiques, valuable sculptures, and paintings with significant historical, cultural, and artistic value.
Architecture of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum covers approximately 3,514m2 and is constructed in the renowned late 19th to early 20th-century French Baroque style, harmoniously blending European and Asian architectural beauty, creating a grand and enchanting masterpiece.
The entire mansion is divided into two horizontal and two vertical rows surrounding a central courtyard, creating the illusion of a skylight in the middle of the building. The museum's four main areas include: the main gate, the main staircase, the first-floor terrace, and the long, cinema-esque corridor.
The first-floor lobby area has a covered roof, large columns supporting the roof, and staircases on both sides. The entrance to the first floor features an arched design, adorned with ornate ironwork forming the stylized initials 'H.B.H,' representing the owner's name abbreviation from the past. The rear gate area also bears a plaque engraved with the names of other family members.
Notably, this building was the first in Saigon to have an elevator. The elevator chamber, made of intricately decorated wood, resembles a Chinese sedan chair. While the elevator system is no longer operational, it holds significant aesthetic and symbolic value for the building.
According to the original blueprint, the building had 100 doors. However, during the architectural plan review, the chief architect requested the removal of one door and prohibited the opening of the main gate, as it was larger than the gate of Independence Palace (now Reunification Palace).
Visiting the Fine Arts Museum, you'll be easily overwhelmed by the dominant yellow hues, highlighting the red and black roof tiles, with the eaves intricately adorned with green glazed tiles - a vintage, majestic beauty that stands out amidst the bustling streets of Saigon.
Wandering through each floor, the ornate European-style stained glass panels symmetrically welcome the sun and breeze, brightening the space and creating a unique artistic scene. The floor is adorned with various patterns and designs of encaustic tiles, while the staircase boasts luxurious marble steps. Every corner you pass through offers picturesque and romantic check-in spots with a cinematic touch.
What's in Store at Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum?
The art space at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum will undoubtedly provide you with unique experiences. Beyond visual delights, #teamKlook can indulge their passion for photography. Discovering that amidst the urban hustle and bustle of cold concrete blocks, #teamKlook can still explore the vibrant world of soulful artworks is a joyous revelation.
1. Explore the Art Collection
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum boasts a valuable collection with over 22,000 artifacts. Over 80% of the displayed works are paintings, notably the national treasure 'Spring Garden in North Central,' a lacquer painting by artist Nguyen Gia Tri. Additionally, there are precious collections for you to explore and discover.
Despite the vast size of the building, the museum's exhibition area consists only of a basement and three upper floors. Some rooms in the building remain sealed and unused. The display system is allocated as follows:
The basement serves as both an office space and an exhibition area for paintings.
On the first floor, you'll find modern art pieces from renowned artists of the Gia Dinh School and the Dong Duong School of Fine Arts from before 1975. This floor is also a frequent venue for artistic activities and cultural exchanges.
The second floor specializes in showcasing authors, artworks, and artifact collections of the museum.
Moving on to the third floor, it introduces artworks and collections of ancient, modern, and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts made from materials such as wood, stone, and ceramics.
The central courtyard area has now been transformed into a weekend drawing class for children. You can also receive on-the-spot drawing guidance if you're feeling inspired.
As part of the overall development plan, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is expanding its space to exhibit artifacts according to the historical progression of art in the city and the Southern region.
2. Unleash Your Creativity with Beautiful Frames
The architectural setting of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum may seem simple at first glance, but it's the smallest decorative details that have transformed this place into a colossal work of art where every corner is stunning and captivating.
Strike a pose at the main entrance, next to the windows, by the elevator area, along the long and winding corridors, or on the nostalgic spiral staircase.
The secret to capturing beautiful photos at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is to choose outfits with a classic, retro, or vintage style. When combined with the building's ambiance, it creates glamorous, sophisticated shots that are truly memorable.
Exploring the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum Tips
- To the right of the main hall is the belongings storage area. If you have bulky or heavy items, you can leave them here while exploring.
- The second floor is considered the best photo spot. So, make sure to have a fully charged phone and wear your best outfit for impressive photos to take home.
- During the visit, remember not to touch the exhibited artifacts. Since the artworks here are original and not behind glass, touching them could cause damage. If you accidentally touch them, the anti-theft sensor will alert everyone.
Tourist Attractions Near Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
After visiting the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, don't miss a series of captivating destinations within District 1, such as: experiencing a slow pace on Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, shopping spree at Ben Thanh Market, strolling along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, sipping cocktails at Bui Vien Walking Street, admiring the sunset at Bach Dang Wharf, or exploring Independence Palace to understand more about Saigon's history.
Additionally, take in the cityscape at Saigon Skydeck or visit the Municipal Theatre to watch the A O Show; both are interesting ideas.
Hotels Near Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
For convenience during your trip, consider checking out Saigon hotels or Saigon homestays around the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. Just click to book through Klook and apply a super-hot discount code from Klook, and you'll instantly have a fantastic room right in the city center.
1. The Hammock Hotel Fine Arts Museum
- Address: 59-61 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 1,104,000 VND/night
2. Winsuites Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel
- Address: 25-30-32 Le Lai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 1,766,000 VND/night
3. The Odys Boutique Hotel
- Address: 67-69 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 981,000 VND/night
4. Cabana Hotel Sai Gon
- Address: 47A Nguyen Trai
- Reference Price: from 2,500,000 VND/night
5. Triple E Hotel
- Address: 81 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference Price: from 1,390,000 VND/night
Bảo tàng Mỹ thuật thành phố Hồ Chí Minh is always in the list of ideal 'instagrammable' places in Saigon, especially for art lovers. A weekend visit to the museum with family and friends will bring moments of joy, relaxation, and positive energy for the upcoming week. Besides the Fine Arts Museum, Saigon offers many other amazing museums with various exhibition themes for you to explore.
For a smooth Saigon trip, don't forget to check out the Klook Blog for travel experiences in Saigon, visit charming cafes, high-rise rooftop bars, dine at enticing restaurants, relax at beautiful homestays, or take a short trip to nearby Saigon attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels, Chua Chan Mountain, Can Gio,... it's extremely useful!
Are you ready to search for 'artistic treasures' at the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City?
