Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a public art museum on Phó Đức Chính Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The museum occupies a historic Art Deco building constructed between 1929 and 1934. French architect Rivera designed the structure, which blends European and Asian architectural styles. It was originally the private mansion of the Hua Bon Hoa family, wealthy Chinese-Vietnamese merchants. The building became a museum in 1987 and opened to the public in 1992.

The museum complex consists of three separate buildings. Each building showcases different periods and types of Vietnamese art. The main building features a yellow facade, arched windows, and a central courtyard. Its interior has stained-glass windows, patterned tile floors, and a grand central staircase. The building was one of the first in Saigon to feature an elevator. The city recognized the structure as a City-Level Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site in 2012.

The collection holds over 21,000 artifacts. It spans from ancient history to the contemporary era. Galleries display ancient sculptures from the Champa and Óc Eo cultures. The collection includes traditional Vietnamese ceramics, lacquer paintings, and silk artworks. It also features modern and contemporary art from the 20th century onward. Works from notable Vietnamese artists are part of the permanent exhibition. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions of both local and international artists.

The museum sits a short walk from Bến Thành Market. The three-story buildings are connected by open-air corridors. The first floor often hosts galleries and trade activities. The second floor typically displays paintings and modern art. The third floor is dedicated to antique sculptures and traditional handicrafts. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnamese art history and its evolution through various periods and styles.