Nestled on the banks of the Han River in Da Nang, Vietnam, the Museum of Cham Sculpture is a treasure trove of ancient art. This French-colonial era museum, built in 1915, boasts the world’s biggest collection of Cham sculptures [Tripadvisor review of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture].
Here's what you can expect on your visit:
- Unearthing the Cham Kingdom's Legacy: The Cham people were a civilization that thrived in central Vietnam for centuries. The museum's collection, featuring over 300 pieces, showcases their artistic talents through sculptures, altarpieces, and architectural elements [Atlas Obscura - Museum of Cham Sculpture – Da Nang, Vietnam].
- A Journey Through Time: Explore ten galleries, each dedicated to artifacts from a specific Cham site. The sculptures, crafted from sandstone, terracotta, and even metal, span a thousand years, dating from the 5th to the 15th centuries [Tripadvisor review of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture].
- Gods and Mythological Creatures: Hinduism and Buddhism heavily influenced the Cham people's art. Keep an eye out for sculptures depicting deities, mythical beings, and other figures from these religions [Viator - Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture - What To Know BEFORE You Go].
The Museum of Cham Sculpture offers a fascinating glimpse into a lost civilization and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and art.