MUSEUM OF CHAM SCULPTURE: ANCIENT CHAMPA ART & HISTORY

The Museum of Cham Sculpture is a captivating repository of sculptural and artistic relics from the ancient Cham kingdom, dating back thousands of years. Situated at the confluence of Bach Dang and Trung Nu Vuong streets, along the banks of the Han River, this museum is a beacon of historical enlightenment that no book can truly replicate.

Where is Cham Museum Vietnam? 

Nestled in Da Nang, the Museum of Cham Sculpture stands as the first museum constructed by the French. It safeguards invaluable collections of sculptural and artistic artifacts from the Champa kingdom, spanning the South Central Coastal Provinces. 

Established in 1919 after four years of construction, the Cham Museum has undergone expansions and renovations, making it a premier destination for history enthusiasts seeking to trace the legacy of the once-thriving Cham Kingdom. With a sprawling area of 6,673 square meters, the museum boasts the world’s most extensive exhibition of Champa cultural artifacts, featuring 2,000 square meters for the display of ancient relics and the remaining area showcasing a rare collection of images and documents shedding light on Cham culture.

How much is the Cham Museum Entrance Fee? 

The Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang has specific operating hours from 7 AM to 5 PM daily. Admission costs 60,000 VND per person. 

Visitors can enhance their experience with audio guides and human tour guides.

• Audio Guide: Access the museum’s Wi-Fi, visit https://chamaudio.com, select your preferred language (Vietnamese, English, or French), and embark on a self-guided tour. Listen to commentaries by scanning barcodes or selecting objects of interest.
• Human Tour Guide: Groups of five or more can arrange for an English, Vietnamese, or French-speaking guide to provide insights into highlighted exhibits and answer questions about Cham history. 

Highlights of Cham Museum Da Nang 

• Iconic Architectural Style of Cham Museum 

Designed by French architects Delaval and Auclai, the museum combines classical European Gothic design with Cham traditional art. Inspired by Cham temple structures, the museum features a distinctive pyramid-shaped roof and large rooms filled with ample natural light. After more than a century, the original architectural elements remain almost unchanged, reflecting the enduring charm of the museum.

• Various Exhibition Rooms 

The museum houses over 2,000 Cham cultural artifacts, with approximately 500 on public display. Visitors can admire hundreds of relics, including national treasures and exceptional Champa sculptural works crafted from materials such as sandstone, terracotta, metal, spanning the 5th to the 15th centuries. Exhibits encompass fertility symbols, mythical creatures, and architectural decorations representing Hindu and Buddhist deities, providing insights into the diverse cultural and religious life of ancient Champa in central Vietnam.

The displays are organized into location-based galleries according to their excavation sites, such as Tra Kieu Gallery, Thap Ma Gallery, and My Son Gallery, allowing visitors to journey through the glorious history of the Cham civilization.

• National Treasures 

The museum proudly showcases three antiquities classified as national treasures: My Son E1 altar, Tra Kieu altar, and Tara Bodhisattva statue.

Visitor Guidelines for the Museum of Cham Sculpture

• Present your admission ticket at the entrance.
• Refrain from touching or sitting on exhibits and podiums.
• Prohibited items include explosives, flammable materials, and hazardous objects.
• Large luggage is not allowed inside the museum; items weighing over 3 kilograms can be stored at the luggage counter.
• Maintain hygiene within the museum premises.
• Dress neatly and formally when visiting.

To enhance your trip, consider combining a visit to Da Nang with the nearby Hoi An, a historic town and UNESCO World Heritage site.