Museum of Cham Sculpture

Has anyone ever heard of a garden of sculptures? Well, right here in Da Nang, the Museum of Cham Sculpture began as just that. Before it became a renowned museum, this very spot was known as the “garden of sculptures”. Cham sculptures collected from around Da Nang, Quang Nam, and other regions were gathered here for two decades, creating a unique outdoor display. The Museum of Cham Sculpture officially opened in 1919. The first building was a collaborative design by French architects M. Deleval and M. Auclair, incorporating traditional Cham elements inspired by archaeologist Henri Parmentier. The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculpture. This collection offers a captivating journey through the art and history of the Champa Kingdom, which thrived in central and southern Vietnam for centuries. The museum’s collection includes thousands of pieces, ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. These sculptures, primarily made of sandstone, depict Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from daily life. You can find depictions of gods like Shiva, Brahma, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Garuda. You can also see representations of Apsaras, Yakshas, Dvarapalas, Boddhisattvas, and the Buddha. Even scenes of polo players and wrestlers are immortalized in these ancient stones. The Museum of Cham Sculpture has seen two expansions. One was in the mid-1930s. The other was in 2002, adding a two-story building with more display space, storage, a library, and a restoration workshop. This ensures the preservation and continued study of this incredible collection. The Museum of Cham Sculpture stands as a testament to the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Champa Kingdom. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Cham art and learn about this influential civilization.