If you only have one week in Vietnam to explore contemporary art, where should you go?
In a recent episode of You Don’t Know Vietnam, artistic director Tuong Linh Do reflects on over 20 years of evolution in the industry, revealing a vibrant scene that extends far beyond the country’s two main cities.
Here are 10 art spaces Linh recommends for art enthusiasts to visit across Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
1. Museum of Fine Arts
As one of the largest art collections in Vietnam, the museum houses over 21,000 artworks, celebrating artists from different periods in the country’s history [1].
Housed in a three-storey French mansion, once owned by wealthy Chinese-Vietnamese businessman Hua Bon Hoa, the collection features traditional lacquerware, sculpture and contemporary paintings.
Opened to the public in 1992, the museum plays a central role in preserving Vietnam's artistic heritage while championing modern art movements.
It’s an essential stop for anyone passionate about art, history, or colonial architecture.
2. Nguyen Art Foundation
Founded in 2018 by Quỳnh Nguyễn, this non-profit foundation actively builds an expanded ecosystem for contemporary art, championing both local creators and international artists connected to Vietnam [2].
Through curated exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives, they create space for meaningful intellectual exchange.
Their mission centers on amplifying underrepresented artistic perspectives and elevating the local creative community.
For visitors, it offers the chance to discover contemporary art through carefully curated exhibitions that connect Vietnam with the wider art world.
An exhibition at DOGMA Collection
3. DOGMA Collection
DOGMA Collection is a private visual arts archive dedicated to Vietnamese propaganda art and historical materials from the revolutionary era (1945–1985) [3].
Its collection features rare historical posters, archival photography, and documents, offering a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s socio-political history.
Beyond preserving these records for future generations, DOGMA also supports contemporary art through the biennial DOGMA Prize. Recognised as Vietnam’s private art prize, it champions emerging talent across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
Da Lat
4. Sao La: Cù Rú
Da Lat has become a space where many artists reside, away from the crowd of the city.”
Tuong Linh Do
Artistic Director, VCCA
As Linh highlights, Da Lat has become an increasingly important hub for Vietnam’s creative scene.
For visitors, this offers an opportunity to meet artists and experience the local creative community firsthand.
One place to start is Cù Rú, an independent, non-profit art space run by the collective Sao La, dedicated to making contemporary art more accessible [4].
By day, Cù Rú functions as an open art studio; by night, it transforms into a local wine bar and community gathering space.
Through thoughtful programming, it brings artists together with people from different fields, including farmers, botanists, engineers, and neighbors.
With a new exhibition curated every two months, Cù Rú is a highly recommended stop for anyone wanting to experience the highlands' creative spirit firsthand.
Hue
5. AirHuế
An artist residency platform that welcomes emerging and mid-career artists from Vietnam and around the world [5].
Through residencies, workshops and open studios, it provides space for artists to develop their practice, exchange ideas and engage with the local community.
By bringing together local heritage and contemporary artistic expression, AirHuế offers visitors an opportunity to discover Hue’s evolving art scene through exhibitions, discussions and collaborative projects.
Hanoi
6. Á Space
An artist-run, non-profit independent space based in Long Biên, Á Space is dedicated to supporting experimental art and boundary-pushing creative practices [6].
Located within the private residence of artist Tuấn Mami, the space hosts co-learning workshops, residency programs, and public showcases that challenge artistic conventions.
Driven by a mission to empower local artists in a challenging environment, Á Space actively fosters regional and international artistic exchanges.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Tuấn Mami himself during your visit.
7. Nhà Sàn Collective
Founded in 2013, Nhà Sàn Collective builds on the legacy of Nhà Sàn Studio, established in 1998 as Vietnam’s first non-profit experimental art space [7].
The collective supports emerging talent through mentorship and community-driven initiatives.
They host regular exhibitions, talks, and workshops, marking major milestones with public arts festivals every five years.
Today, Nhà Sàn runs independent art projects in public spaces and collaborates internationally to push creative boundaries in Vietnam.
An exhibtion at VCCA
8. Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA)
Located inside a shopping mall, VCCA offers a unique exhibition space that connects contemporary art with broad public audiences through curated shows, educational tours, and workshops [8].
As a large-scale non-profit art center, its mission is to make contemporary art accessible to everyone while supporting the long-term growth of Vietnam's artistic ecosystem.
VCCA has become a playground for artists since its establishment in 2017, and they regularly offer seasonal exhibitions that span across three months.
9. Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
As one of Vietnam's primary cultural institutions, the museum houses over 20,000 artifacts tracing the country's artistic heritage since opening in 1966, currently displaying around 2,000 objects across its permanent galleries [9].
It is home to masterpieces of Vietnamese fine art, including nine designated National Treasures spanning ancient traditions to modern masterworks.
Alongside its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that highlight dynamic contemporary developments, along with a creative space for children.
Here, visitors can admire and learn about the unique cultural and historical features of Vietnam, making it an essential addition to any itinerary.
10. Do a studio visit
For a truly intimate cultural experience, especially in Hanoi, Tuong Linh recommends booking a private studio visit with local artists.
Vietnam's artistic community is warm and open, welcoming curious visitors into their private creative spaces, personal stories, and ongoing projects.
The art world in Vietnam still really has a strong sense of community, and if someone from the outside is just curious enough, there will be space to learn.”
Tuong Linh Do
Artistic Director, VCCA
Sources:
[1] Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts
[3] DOGMA Collection
[4] Sao La: Cù Rú
[5] AirHuế
[6] Á Space
