The Origins and the “Tourane Park”
The first building of the Museum was constructed in 1915. However, more than twenty years prior, numerous Cham sculptures discovered in Da Nang, Quang Nam, and adjacent provinces had already been gathered at this very location, which was then known as “Tourane Park.”
The collection of these Cham masterpieces, initiated in the late 19th century, was largely thanks to the dedication of French archaeology enthusiasts—particularly scholars from the French School of Asian Studies (L’École Française d’Extrême-Orient, EFEO). While some Cham artifacts were shipped to France and others were relocated to museums in Hanoi and Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), the majority of the most prominent masterpieces remained preserved in Da Nang.
The Vision, Architecture, and First Construction (1902–1915)
The idea of establishing a dedicated museum for Cham sculptures in Da Nang first took shape in 1902 through a proposal by the EFEO, strongly championed by Henri Parmentier, then Head of the EFEO Department of Archaeology.
The original building was designed by French architects Delaval and Auclair, based on architectural suggestions by Parmentier to incorporate distinctive motifs inspired by Champa temple architecture. Despite subsequent renovations and expansions over the decades, the museum’s foundational structure and original architectural spirit have been carefully preserved to this day.
Key Expansions Across the Decades
-
Mid-1930s Expansion:
The first major expansion took place in the mid-1930s to accommodate new artifacts unearthed during excavations in the 1920s and 1930s. The expanded floor area of nearly 1,000 m² was organized into dedicated exhibition halls, including the Tra Kieu Gallery, My Son Gallery, Dong Duong Gallery, Thap Mam Gallery, and corridors dedicated to artifacts from Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and Kon Tum.
-
2002 Expansion:
A two-story wing was constructed and connected to the rear of the main building, adding more than 1,000 m² of exhibition space dedicated to artifacts collected post-1975.
Modern Renovations and Upgrades (2005 – Present)
-
2005 – 2009 (The FSP Project):
A major upgrade program commenced in 2005. Supported by French experts through the Solidarity Priority Fund (FSP) project, the My Son and Dong Duong galleries were renovated and officially inaugurated in 2009.
-
2016 Comprehensive Renovation:
Funded by the Da Nang Municipal Government, an extensive renovation project was carried out. This initiative revitalized all buildings and upgraded exhibition halls into a cohesive, interconnected tour route. The permanent exhibition now highlights key collections of Cham sculptures alongside thematic rooms dedicated to epigraphy (inscriptions), ceramics, traditional music, festivals, and the contemporary crafts of the Cham community. Furthermore, educational and performance areas were established on the second floor, while visitor service areas were redesigned within the garden courtyard.
National Recognition
In 2011, the Museum of Cham Sculpture was officially classified as a Class 1 (First-Class) Museum in Vietnam, affirming its pivotal role and enduring contributions to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of national and international cultural heritage.
