Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi gives a visual representation of country caught in the throes of war. Located just across the Temple of Literature, the Museum houses a small collection of indigenous artwork of 20th and 21st centuries. The themes of patriotism and martyrdom abound in the artworks, while some of the effigies, lacquers and paintings provide a glimpse of Vietnamese heritage and folktales.

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum houses the country's finest collections of paintings, sculptures, lacquer, prints and ceramics. Colloquially known as Vien Bao Tang My Thuat Viet Nam, the museum was established in 1966. Previously a French girls boarding school, the architecture of the building is a combination of French and Vietnamese communal houses. Its collection ranges from pre-history to modern times, with an extensive number of paintings depicting the Vietnamese resistance against the French and the Americans. Most of the paintings are replicates, having been destroyed during the Vietnam war, and display features of abstract impressionism.

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum Collection

The 3-storeyed Vietnam Fine Arts Museum building has a chronological display of items, showing the evolutionary transition of painting styles from Dong Ho art to Hang Trong Art and embroidery art (schools of Vietnamese painting). Many sculptures, paintings and lacquer have been designated as Vietnamese 'national treasure'. Must-watch attractions at the museum include a wooden door carved with dragon motifs; statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshwara; statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Compassion with thousand arms and eyes; vase painted by famous Vietnamese painter Nguyen Gia Tri, with two paintings "The Girl in the Garden" and "Landscape"; and, the paper painting "French National Celebration Day". Multiple paintings show depictions of the Vietnamese resistance, a marked reminder of patriotism, martyrdom and national defence. The Applied Arts Pavillion, with an assemblage of traditional folk art, provides a fascinating insight into the anthropological legacy of the South-east Asian nation.

How to Reach Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is located on the Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in the  Ba Dinh District of Hanoi. It is located in close proximity to the Hanoi Prison and Temple of Literature. Bus stops near the museum are Benh Vien Xanhpon and the Benh Vien Xanh Pon on Tran Phu Road, operated by the bus lines 02, 18, 22A, 23, 32, 34, 38, 45 and 50.

Tips for Visiting Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

• Guides are offered in Vietnamese, Chinese, French and English languages.
• Other additional facilities provided by the Museum are the Creative Space for Children, library and cafe.

The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is a must-visit for families and individuals interested in the rich arts and cultural history of Vietnam. It takes only a couple of hours in the morning or the afternoon, and is conveniently located to include it in travel itineraries.