Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue – Where to Discover a Wealth of Precious Treasures

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

Hue, a historic city in central Vietnam and the former capital of the country, is often the top choice for many foreign tourists visiting Vietnam. This city offers a rich tapestry of Vietnam’s history, where visitors can explore ancient structures and the tombs of past kings and royals. Among the numerous fascinating sites in Hue, the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue stands out as a must-see destination, promising to be a captivating start to your journey as one of the earliest and most significant museums in the city.

The Heritage of the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for nearly 150 years during the feudal era, from 1802 to 1945. On August 24th, 1923, King Khai Dinh issued a decree to establish a museum, initially named Musée Khai Dinh. The museum was created with a clear purpose: to showcase the artistic talents of the nation by reflecting the political and everyday events, social activities, and cultural rituals of the time.

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

Over the years, the museum underwent five name changes before finally becoming known as the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue, as it is today. Since its inception, the museum has played a crucial role in preserving the heritage of the Hue royal court by reviving the skills of generations of artisans who contributed to its grandeur. Currently, the museum is managed by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, continuing its legacy of cultural preservation and historical significance.

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What Awaits You at the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue?

The Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue is housed within Long An Palace, one of the most exquisite palaces in Vietnam, covering an expansive area of 6,330 square meters. This palace, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance, serves as the museum’s main showroom, offering visitors a journey through Vietnam’s imperial past.

Long An Palace, constructed in 1845 during the reign of King Thieu Tri, stands at the heart of the museum with a central display area of 1,200 square meters. This magnificent structure houses 16 unique collections, showcasing over 300 artifacts crafted from materials such as gold, glazed terra-cotta, and porcelain. Among these treasures are royal antiquities once used by the kings and members of the Nguyen dynasty.

The palace itself is a masterpiece of traditional Vietnamese architecture, featuring seven compartments, two annexes, and 128 intricately carved wooden pillars. The woodwork is adorned with scenes of Vietnamese landscapes and the four sacred animals—dragon, lion, tortoise, and phoenix. Visitors can also discover over 1,000 poems inscribed in Chinese characters, including two special compositions by King Thieu Tri himself.

In addition to these literary treasures, the museum offers an extensive collection of antique paintings, literary works, historical accounts, and royal decrees, providing a deep insight into Vietnamese history during the Nguyen dynasty. Long An Palace is a harmonious blend of poetry, painting, and architecture, where the intricate wooden carvings vividly bring to life the artistic vision of the era.

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

The museum also preserves and displays an array of artistic works created by the kings and members of the Nguyen royal family, using materials like gold, silver, glass, stone, jade, leather, fabric, wood, and paper. Among the museum’s most notable artifacts are 80 objects from the Cham ethnic minority, discovered over 100 years ago in the ancient capitals of Tra Kieu, O, and Ly. These objects are considered invaluable not only to Vietnam but also to the broader Far East and world heritage.

One of the museum’s standout pieces is a folding screen painted by some of Vietnam’s most talented artists 70 years ago, depicting nearly 78 Hue women dressed in colorful, intricately designed Ao Dai. This piece is a vivid representation of Hue’s cultural elegance.

Outside Long An Palace, visitors will find a remarkable collection of 30 cannons, dating back approximately 200 years, alongside a fine collection of stone stelae and statues from the Le and Nguyen dynasties, some over 500 years old. However, the museum’s most impressive collection may be its large bronze cauldrons, bells, pots, and urns, which stand as enduring symbols of Vietnam’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

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Events and Programs at The Museum

The Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue is home to 16 exhibit areas and safeguards over 10,000 artifacts, solidifying its status as a cultural treasure. Its reputation has led to the hosting of numerous exhibitions that have captivated both local and international tourists. Notable events include the 100th Anniversary of An Dinh Residence, One Destination – Five Heritages, Capitals of Vietnam through Historical Periods, and an Exhibition on Country Names, among others.

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

To enhance the visitor experience, the museum has outlined plans to organize a variety of community-focused activities. During the summer, children visiting the museum will have the opportunity to engage in creative activities like painting scenes of Hue and participating in traditional royal games in the picturesque front garden of Long An Palace. These interactive sessions often spark curiosity among children, leading them to ask questions about the displayed artifacts, further enriching their visit.

Looking ahead, the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue is planning to establish a dedicated space for community activities. This initiative aims to foster a closer connection between the public and the museum, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of royal life and making the museum experience more engaging and accessible to all.

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Directions to the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

There are several transportation options available to reach Hue city, each offering a unique travel experience. The most popular choice is to book a flight to Phu Bai Airport, located just 15 kilometers from the city center. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi to your destination, typically costing around VND 180,000. For those looking to save money, a bus ride is an economical alternative at just VND 40,000.

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

Another excellent option is to travel to Hue by train. While the journey takes longer compared to flying, it offers a richer and more scenic experience of Vietnam. As the train winds its way through the country, you’ll have the chance to admire stunning landscapes and pass through various provinces, making the trip to Hue a memorable part of your adventure.

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Travel Advice and Tips

The museum is commonly referred to as the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, which may lead some visitors to believe that its exhibits date back to the Middle Ages or earlier. However, the museum’s collection primarily features exquisite artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, which began in 1802.

Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue

Please note that photography is prohibited inside the museum, so be sure to enjoy the exhibits without the use of cameras.

If you’re planning a day trip, consider combining a visit to the museum with explorations of the Imperial Enclosure and the scenic Perfume River. This combination offers a comprehensive glimpse into Hue’s rich history and cultural heritage, making for a rewarding and engaging one-day itinerary.

If you find yourself in Hue, be sure not to miss the opportunity to explore the Royal Fine Arts Museum Hue—one of Vietnam’s pioneering museums. This visit offers a unique chance to delve into a rich chapter of Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the country’s artistic and cultural heritage. Embark on this journey and uncover the stories and treasures that await within these historic walls.

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