What is Museum of Cham Sculpture about?
The Museum of Cham Sculpture is all about the art and culture of the ancient Cham civilization, which once ruled parts of central and southern Vietnam. Inside, you’ll find carved statues, temple decorations, and stone relics that tell the story of Cham beliefs, especially their Hindu and Buddhist influences. It’s a quiet, visual experience—no touchscreens or flashy displays—just peaceful galleries filled with detailed sculptures, giving you a feel for one of Vietnam’s oldest cultures.
Visiting information
Opening times
- Open daily: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee
- 60,000 VND per person (as of 2025)
Location
- 02 2 Thang 9 Street, Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Right by the river, just next to the Dragon Bridge on the city side
- Also close to Han Market—about a 10-minute walk
How to get there
If you’re staying along the riverfront, you might be able to walk. Otherwise, the easiest way to get there is by taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab or the electric option Xanh SM. Motorbike rental is also a good option if you’re comfortable navigating the city.
Guided tours & audio guide
The museum offers a free audio guide in English, French, and Vietnamese—just connect to their Wi-Fi and scan a QR code near the exhibits. The guide is simple to use and helps explain the key pieces as you walk through. If you’re in a group of five or more, it’s also possible to arrange a guided tour in advance (limited to certain times and languages). For most people, though, the audio guide is the easiest way to get context.
History and story behind the museum
The Museum of Cham Sculpture was officially opened in 1919, but its roots go back to the late 1800s, when French archaeologists began collecting Cham artifacts from ruined temples across central Vietnam. At the time, the Cham civilization was not well understood, and the aim was to preserve what remained of its unique art and culture before more was lost to time, war, and weather.
Many of the pieces now on display were excavated from key archaeological sites like My Son, Tra Kieu, and Dong Duong, where ancient Cham towers and sanctuaries once stood. These areas stretched from Quang Binh down to Binh Dinh Province, covering a large part of what was once the Champa Kingdom. Over time, the growing collection outgrew its original space, leading to several expansions, including the addition of new galleries, a conservation workshop, and research areas.
Today, the museum houses over 2,000 artifacts, although only around 500 are on display at any one time. Even after more than a century, the museum still keeps its original mission alive: to protect and share the legacy of a culture that helped shape central Vietnam’s identity
Highlights of the Museum of Cham Sculpture
The Museum of Cham Sculpture holds the largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world. Spread across several galleries and exhibition rooms, the displays are grouped by region and period. Here are the main highlights to look out for during your visit:
1. Themed galleries by region
The museum is laid out by excavation site, with galleries dedicated to places like My Son, Tra Kieu, and Thap Ma—once important centers of the Cham civilization. Each section gives you a slightly different feel, showing how Cham art evolved over time and across locations. The layout is spacious and easy to follow, with most sculptures grouped by style and era.
2. Ancient sculptures and religious art
The main attraction here is the collection of detailed stone carvings, mainly in sandstone and terracotta. These include depictions of Hindu gods like Shiva and Ganesha, Buddhist figures, temple pillars, and symbolic animals. Many of the sculptures were originally parts of temple towers or altars. Some date back to as early as the 5th century, showing the deep historical roots of Cham culture.
3. National Treasures
The museum holds three officially recognized national treasures:
- The My Son E1 altar, featuring carvings of forest-dwelling Hindu monks.
- The Tra Kieu altar, known for its detailed reliefs and curved decorative elements.
- The Tara Bodhisattva statue, a rare bronze sculpture that stands over 1.1 meters tall—one of the few surviving Cham bronzes.
These pieces are marked clearly in the museum and are worth paying special attention to.
4. Historic building with Cham-inspired design
The museum is housed in a century-old building that was designed by French architects in the early 1900s, blending colonial and Cham architectural styles. Its pyramid-shaped roofs and high, airy windows give it a distinct look that fits the collection inside. It’s not just a backdrop—the building itself reflects the same cultural influences as the sculptures, and walking through its simple, open spaces adds to the overall experience.
Is it worth visiting?
The Museum of Cham Sculpture is definitely worth visiting if you’re into history, archaeology, or ancient art. It’s especially interesting if you’ve been to places like My Son or are curious about the Champa civilization’s influence on Vietnam’s culture and religion. The museum is also a good option for anyone looking for a quiet, low-key activity in the middle of Da Nang.
That said, it’s not a high-tech or interactive museum—so if you’re expecting flashy displays or modern storytelling, this isn’t it. It’s best for travelers who enjoy taking their time with visual details and don’t mind reading signs or using an audio guide. For families with young kids, it might be a bit too quiet or serious unless they’re into ancient temples and statues.
If you’re in Da Nang and want to learn something deeper about the region’s history, this is one of the most meaningful places you can go.
