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Hue is not just about grand palaces, ancient tombs, or the poetic Perfume River and Ngự Mountain. It is also a destination imbued with the essence of contemporary art, being the birthplace and nurturing ground for many renowned artists and craftsmen. If you have a deep appreciation for the beauty of art, join me in discovering the 3 most beautiful art museums in Hue!
1. Lebadang Memory Space
Lebadang Memory Space is truly a museum of dreams, dreams for artist Le Ba Dang, and dreams for all art enthusiasts.
The Memorial Space of Le Ba Dang
Even the entrance ticket is meticulously designed.
Le Ba Dang, a renowned painter and sculptor, once envisioned a space where he could freely create and exhibit his works. After his passing, that dream became a reality—a contemporary art museum spanning 16,000m2 situated atop a truly poetic hill.
From the moment you step through the main gate, it feels like entering a fairytale garden with lush greenery, paddy fields, flowing streams, and artworks displayed on both sides of the path.
The main entrance to Lebadang Memory Space
Lebadang Memory Space is divided into 6 distinct functional areas, including the art honoring Le Ba Dang, an underground art tunnel, a heavenly garden, a relaxation area, dining, and a souvenir counter.
The main exhibition area is where the paintings, graphics, and sculptures by Le Ba Dang are showcased, featuring various materials and artistic techniques that have built the reputation of Le Ba Dang. The presentation method is truly engaging, not only avoiding monotony but also sparking curiosity. Additionally, gentle music and subtle fragrances enhance the overall serene ambiance.
The main exhibition area
Inside the main exhibition area
Following that is a 50m-long tunnel running along the hillside specifically designed for the display of light art. Above the tunnel is the space for organizing performances, dining counters, and souvenir shops for visitors.
Artworks displayed outside the tunnel
Artworks displayed outside the tunnel
Most notably, the heavenly garden located on the rooftop area of the building. Throughout the garden, stainless steel sculptures are intricately shaped using the technique of direct cutting, featuring characteristic hollow parts in the style of Le Ba Dang. The focal point is a large skylight in the center, welcoming natural sunlight.
Staircase leading to the heavenly garden
Stainless steel sculptures adorning the garden
Unique photo corners
Every corner is picturesque
Spaces filled with lush greenery
Skylight embracing natural light
The admission ticket price for Lebadang Memory Space is 269,000 VND/ticket for visitors from other provinces. Hue residents enjoy a discounted rate of 150,000 VND/ticket. However, there are frequent promotional periods with a flat rate of 129,000 VND/ticket. Stay updated with announcements on the Lebadang Memory Space fanpage!
2. Le Ba Dang Art Center
Before the establishment of Lebadang Memory Space, the Le Ba Dang Art Center was the first and only place exhibiting artworks by the late artist Le Ba Dang. Built in 2006, it is situated along the picturesque Perfume River.
Le Ba Dang Art Center
The Le Ba Dang Art Center resembles a scaled-down version of Lebadang Memory Space, featuring paintings, scents, and music. The center is a two-story building with French architectural style infused with modern aesthetics—a delicate fusion showcasing the beauty of both Asian and European cultures.
Simple and gentle exhibition setup
Artworks elegantly displayed along the corridors
Vibrant paper-cut collages
Currently housing and showcasing 407 masterpieces by the renowned artist Lê Bá Đảng donated to Thừa Thiên - Huế. Among them, 362 works span a diverse range of materials and genres, featuring unique collections that exude rich cultural nuances and a plethora of themes. Additionally, the collection includes 45 artworks and artifacts from world-famous painters such as Picasso, Matta, Pignon... curated by the artist couple. The exhibited pieces at the center primarily delve into themes of war, love for the homeland, the historical foundation, and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
A large painting adorning the main house
Mesmerizing abstract artworks
The last house melody
Marvel at the super 'art' corners
Exquisite wooden masterpieces
Exclusive masterpieces only at Le Ba Dang
Artworks depicting the theme of struggle
The admission fee for Le Ba Dang Art Center is 30,000 VND per ticket. If purchased with tickets for Diem Phung Thi Art Center, the combined price is 50,000 VND for both locations.
3. Diem Phung Thi Art Center
Approximately 200m from Le Ba Dang Art Center is Diem Phung Thi Art Center, preserving and exhibiting nearly 500 artworks that sculptor Diem Phung Thi gifted to Hue before her passing.
Diem Phung Thi is a renowned sculptor on the world stage. She is one of the two featured artists from Asia listed in the LaRousse dictionary, a significant talent in 20th-century art.
Diem Phung Thi Art Center
A unique sculpture greets you at the main entrance
Stepping into the exhibition space, you will witness a graceful fluidity in the artworks. They share a common trait of being devoid of sharp edges, always featuring curves to soften the connecting links, evoking memories of mothers, the origins of all things, the resonance of sound, and the vitality of life. Another distinctive aspect of Diem Phung Thi's sculptures is the versatile transformation of geometric shapes she personally crafts. For instance, starting with a figure holding hands, adding a few blocks transforms it into a mandarin, rotating it becomes a woman, flipping it back and forth results in a flower shape, and so on.
The pair of sculptures depicting a young couple
Artworks with no sharp angles
Graceful and soft in nature
Abstract artworks
In addition to the sunlit space with numerous windows, the center also features a poetic, spacious terrace on the second floor. From here, you can overlook the pedestrian street below, Truong Tien Bridge, and the refreshing rows of green trees.
Sun-drenched corridor with windows
Artifacts belonging to Mrs. Diem Phung Thi
Window overlooking the park and Le Loi Street
The admission fee for Diem Phung Thi Art Center is 30,000 VND per ticket. If purchased together with Le Ba Dang Art Center tickets, the combined price is 50,000 VND for both locations.
Spacious courtyard with an ultra-poetic view
Stepping into the museum in Hue not only brings satisfaction in admiring the beauty and meticulousness of art but also a sense of tranquility amidst the vast, airy space and the 'romance' of Hue.
Author: Hoang Linh Ha
*This article is part of the Mytour Golocal program
Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, within the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a collaborator with Mytour. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
