Fine Arts Museum

Tobias Goris★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

A museum of three french colonial area (early 20th century neo renaissance villa style) buildings showcasing a collection of mainly (not only) vietnamese art: paintings and sculptures from the 21st/20th century in the first building and antiques/sculptures (from 5th to first half of the 20th century) in the 3rd one. The cham collection is not that interesting (go to Da nang for that), but the delta culture collection from 5th to 11th century (ground floor, sorry, 1st floor) and some old Khmer buddhas were cool. The 2nd one just pre-opened for the evening of the 10th of January (2026) and will completely reopen shortly, but was closed on Jan 11th. A small outdoor exhibition of sculptures complete the picture. The order seems a bit random, some informations are missing and actually the place and some of the exhibits must be renovated, but to me, that adds to the charm. Also not few pieces were simply not very interesting (a bit of - to me - appeared as kitsch and not noteworthy portraits), but interesting showcases of lacquer on wood and of course widely unknown vietnamese artists. A lot of stuff I really liked. A lot to walk, but especially the 2nd (middle) floor of the three floors in the first building were really impressive. Not sure what to think about the Lê Bá Đảng exhibition rooms which were designed in an organic/art nouveau style, stealing a bit from the objects impression... Anyway, highly recommended for art/culture lovers, especially as it is not as crowded as the main museums of Saigon. You have to be tolerant about the photoshoot groups though. To me they just added some unique atmosphere and they are usually very kind, never hindered me from watching or similar ;)

Nazanin R★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

A beautiful historic building with interesting architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The museum has several floors with different artworks, including paintings and sculptures by Vietnamese artists. It’s a nice place to visit if you are interested in art or want to see one of the more beautiful old buildings in the city. The building itself is actually one of the highlights of the visit.

Sercan★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

One of the most beautiful cultural spots in Saigon, not just because of the art, but also because of the building itself. The museum is set inside an old French colonial mansion, which already makes the whole visit feel special. Inside, you’ll find a mix of Vietnamese art from different periods, from traditional lacquer paintings and sculptures to more modern works. It’s spread across several floors and rooms, so there’s quite a lot to explore. What stands out most is the atmosphere, it’s a bit worn in places, but that actually adds to the charm. It feels authentic and not overly polished, more like stepping into a piece of history than a typical modern museum. It’s also a great place for photos, with lots of natural light, old staircases, and unique architectural details. Just be aware that sometimes it can get busy with people doing photoshoots. Overall, definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in art, architecture, or just want a slower, more cultural break from the busy city. 👍

*Clawgey1852*★★★★★★★★★★4.02 months ago

Absolute heaven for photography lovers! The "Saigon Yellow" walls, tiled floors, and the natural light coming through the arched windows create the perfect aesthetic. ​Building 1 has the most famous photo spots (the balconies and windows). ​Building 3 is quieter and houses some fascinating ancient sculptures. It’s a very peaceful escape from the chaotic city traffic outside. Entrance was only 30,000 VND—the best value cultural experience in HCMC.

Mr Local Guide★★★★★★★★★★5.04 months ago

If you're looking for a quick cultural break, or a chance for photography, then this is the spot. This building makes impression with its elegant colonial era architecture and old Saigon charm. Even before walking inside, there are already art sculptures outside. We visited as a group of four. Tickets were only 30,000 VND per adult, and the ticketing process was quick with minimal checks. Staff were prompt, hence there was almost no waiting time. The building architecture itself is a major highlight. It's a well preserved colonial structure with ornate balconies, decorative moldings, tiled floors, high ceilings, and wooden shutters. Open corridors, and the frequent balconies offer picturesque views of both the interior and the surrounding cityscape. The museum features a diverse variety of artworks, ranging from modern and abstract pieces to realism, embroidery, and some sculptures. Most works are 2D canvas art, and several rooms are dedicated to specific artists, with thorough background information, quotes, and career summaries. Even as someone who isn't particularly artsy, I found the museum engaging and not boring at all. There are three floors including the ground level, with third floor offering the best city views, and the second offering the best interior sights. The building isn't heavily air conditioned but remains comfortable under afternoon blaze. There are plenty of benches and walking space throughout. Note that water isn't sold inside, and a few rooms had display TVs that weren't working, though this was a very minor issue.