Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: A Must-Visit Attraction
Exploring the cultural history of Vietnam’s Cham civilization is made easy with a visit to Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture. Located in the bustling city of Da Nang, the museum houses the largest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Here, visitors can discover the millennia-old history of the Champa Kingdom and explore the art, architecture, and religious practices that defined the culture.
About the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is a must-visit destination for those interested in Vietnamese culture and history. Located in the heart of Da Nang, the museum is housed in a well-preserved colonial-era building. It contains the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures, including more than 300 statues dating back to the 9th through the 15th centuries.
Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, including statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist figures, and stone carvings of the Cham people. There’s also a large number of steles (stone slabs) that feature inscriptions in the Cham alphabet.
Visitors can also learn about the architectural styles used by the Cham, including the distinctive tower-style temples that were used for religious ceremonies. There are a few examples of these structures on display in the museum, including the Po Klong Garai tower and the Po Nagar tower.
Experience the Beauty of the Collection
The collection of artifacts at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is truly remarkable. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and graceful lines of the sculptures, which are made from stone, brick, and terracotta.
The sculptures are divided into two main categories: Hindu and Buddhist. The Hindu sculptures depict Hindu gods and goddesses such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha, while the Buddhist sculptures depict various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
The sculptures range in size from small figurines to large statues that are up to 10 feet tall. Many of them were originally placed at the entrance of temples and were used to ward off evil spirits.
The museum also houses a few pieces of jewelry and pottery, as well as a number of inscriptions carved in stone. These inscriptions provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the Cham people.
Things to Know Before You Visit
The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors should plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum’s collection. Admission is 150,000 VND (approximately 6.50 USD).
The museum also has a café and a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs such as postcards, books, and replicas of the sculptures.
Conclusion
The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Vietnam’s Cham civilization. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures, including statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist figures, and stone carvings of the Cham people. Visitors can also explore the distinctive tower-style temples used for religious ceremonies and uncover valuable inscriptions carved in stone.