Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, a manificent building in its own right,
used to be the Ministry of Culture under French rule. To day this
museum features all aspects of Vietnam's contemporary fine arts,
such as impressionism, abstract, realism and "superrealism." As well
as home to around ten thousand pieces of art, including paintings,
sculptures, wood carvings, antique reproductions and block printing,
there's also a new section displaying Vietnam's traditional art
treasures, dating back thousands of years. Amongst the many
hihlights, the statue of Hodhisativer with her thousand eyes
and arms, made from lacquered wood, and the wood-cut picture
"washing hair" by Tran Van Can, should not be missed. If you get
cultured-out though, you can always take time out at the museum's
café. Some artworks are for sale, but if you purchase antique
reproductions, make sure you get the correct legal documentation for
customs, upon departure.
Open 9.15am - 5.00pm
Address: 96 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi
Tel: (84-4) 8233084