Housed inside a grand villa built between 1929 and 1934 by French architect Rivera for the prominent Hua family, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is the city's major art institution and the second largest in Vietnam after Hanoi's national museum. If you are exploring southern Vietnam's vibrant cultural history, this site offers a comprehensive look across three distinct three-floor buildings. As you wander through the historic complex, which officially became a museum in 1987, you will encounter an impressive range of medium and period-specific collections.
You can examine fine Vietnamese sculptures, oil paintings, delicate silk works, and intricate lacquer paintings, alongside traditional woodcut artwork representing the historic Hàng Trống, Đông Hồ, and Kim Hoàng styles. You will also see beautiful displays of regional ceramics and ancient Buddhist art collections. For an additional highlight, head down to the first floor to browse a commercial gallery featuring art works available for acquisition.
Meanwhile, the third floor elevates your journey with exceptional archaeological displays, showcasing some of the nation's finest ancient Champa and Óc Eo relics. It is an essential stop to experience centuries of Vietnamese artistic heritage set within remarkable period architecture.
What to see at Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
- Vietnamese sculpture, oil, silk, and lacquer paintings
- Traditional woodcut art in Hàng Trống, Đông Hồ, and Kim Hoàng styles
- Archaeological displays featuring top Champa and Óc Eo relics
- Collections of Vietnamese ceramics and ancient Buddhist art
- Commercial art gallery located on the first floor
Visiting tips
Be sure to explore the first floor if you want to visit the commercial art gallery located inside the museum.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is easy to reach on Ho Chi Minh City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
See the full Ho Chi Minh City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.