Explore 20,000 artifacts dating back 50 - 2,000 years in Hoi An
DNO - Located at 229 Cua Dai Street, Hoi An, CSO Gallery, a popular private museum, has rapidly become a distinctive destination for tourists, students and culture enthusiasts.
Having opened less than two years ago, the gallery is already recognized for its innovative approach, combining art exhibition, historical education and interactive experiences.
As reported by the Nhan Dan Newspaper, CSO Gallery houses more than 20,000 artifacts collected over many years, dating from 50 to over 2,000 years old, and originating from approximately 200 countries and territories all over the world.
These items are organized into 77 collections, encompassing books and editions of The Tale of Kieu from East and West, stamps, coins, banknotes, souvenirs, cultural symbols, and historical artifacts spanning various periods of human history.
CSO Gallery is not only a repository of tangible heritage but also serves as an “open classroom” for students. Schools from Da Nang and surrounding areas regularly bring students to explore history and culture through the gallery’s artifacts.
Visitors can view stamps depicting President Ho Chi Minh, zodiac-themed stamps from multiple countries and ancient coins from diverse civilizations, providing an immersive and educational experience.
Among the museum’s most notable installations is Go Home 201, a work featuring over 200 clocks adorned with national flags, arranged in the shape of a world map to display the time in every country and territory.
The piece symbolizes global connection and reflects the gallery’s modern cultural vision within the historic context of Hoi An.
The first-floor space features hundreds of editions of The Tale of Kieu, an 18th century poetic masterpiece by Nguyen Du, in multiple languages.
Also, many academic discussions and cultural exchanges are usually held here.
According to collector Tran Huu Tai, the CSO Gallery's owner, this museum’s goal is to create a treasury of knowledge that allows the public, especially younger generations, to find joy in learning and exploring culture.
With the collector’s dedication and a creative curatorial approach, CSO Gallery is pioneering a new model for private museums in Vietnam, contributing to the enrichment of local cultural life.
From these meticulously curated personal collections, the gallery has become a distinctive cultural and tourism destination, offering both domestic and international visitors an additional attraction when visiting Hoi An, alongside the ancient town, traditional craft villages, and local cuisine.