Ho Chi Minh City Art Galleries

(Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon, Vietnam)

The gentler side of the city shines through in its small but growing contingent of art galleries. Up and coming Vietnamese artists have openings in this city, and you may be surprised by the unique quality of their work.

Ho Chi Minh City has arguably the country's most energetic art scene and offers a good selection of galleries, where you can check out the latest works of Vietnamese artists. As usual, the most respected galleries are in District 1. Try the Apricot Gallery on Mac Thi Buoi Street, the Particular Art Gallery on Le Loi Street, or the Hien Minh on Dong Khoi Street, for starters. You should also look through the latest monthly copy of The Guide and Vietnam Discovery to find out where the art exhibits are currently happening.

Fine Arts Museum

Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, VN
The city's Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat) functions as the principal gallery and contains an extensive permanent collection of art works, including large contemporary paintings by both Vietnamese and international artists. The building itself is easy to spot, being somewhat Chinese in character and painted in yellow and white. Step inside and take the stairs to the first floor, where the majority of the contemporary works reside, often being for sale. On the second floor is more traditional art, showing scenes from Vietnam's Communist history.

On the third floor you will find an array of extremely historic pieces, the oldest of which originate from as far back as the 4th century and include sculptures of both Buddha and Vishnu. The Fine Arts Museum also features a number of paintings and sculptures depicting the great man himself, Ho Chi Minh, along with some enamelware, lacquerware and ceramics.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge