More than just a place to explore history and culture, the Da Nang Museum offers a visually and emotionally engaging experience - where every corner can become a work of art in creatively staged check-in photos. Seamlessly blending the past and present, its exhibition spaces and surrounding architecture come together to create a harmonious whole. The museum has increasingly emerged as a new destination on Da Nang’s tourism map, drawing in young visitors eager to create content, capture beautiful moments to share on social media, and, in doing so, help promote the city’s image in a way that feels organic and emotionally resonant.

The Da Nang Museum stands out as a remarkable destination, drawing the attention of both locals and tourists alike. Photo: Van Hoang

A lively and modern space

In the memory of Ro Lan Siu Le Na, a nursing student at Dong A University, museums were quiet, almost solemn places. This is a place where artifacts sat silently behind glass, where label boards were packed with dense text, and where footsteps echoed softly through still, hushed galleries. For Le Na, such spaces once felt like a world reserved only for those with a deep passion for history and culture.

However, her experience at the Da Nang Museum brought an unexpected shift in perspective. There, she encountered a different kind of atmosphere—a space where exhibits were not merely displayed, but where stories came alive through light, sound, and vivid slices of the past. Each artifact seemed to possess a soul; every corner evoked memories, inviting not just observation, but listening, contemplation, and emotional resonance. For the first time, she felt that a museum was not only a repository of history, but also a bridge connecting past and present—turning each step of discovery into a deeply moving journey.

Like the pages of an open book, each section of the Da Nang Museum tells a vivid story about the city’s culture, history, and people. Here, the past is no longer confined to dry lines of text on display labels—it comes alive in vibrant and engaging ways. “Everything here feels as though it’s been brought to life,” she shared excitedly. “The lighting, colors, and sounds are harmoniously blended, allowing visitors not just to observe, but to truly feel the pulse of history. Especially with the interactive models, touchscreens, and 3D projection effects, it feels as if I’m stepping into a flowing stream of time—witnessing the stories of the past unfold right before my eyes.”

On the museum’s opening day, Pham Thanh Hoang Yen, a resident of An Hai Nam Ward, Son Tra District, couldn’t hide her emotions and sense of pride. As someone passionate about cultural exploration, she has visited many museums across different regions. To her, each museum offers a unique perspective on local history and identity. But the Da Nang Museum stirred something deeper—because here, it felt as though the land of her own hometown was gently whispering its story to her.

The traditional cultural beauty of the local people and the various historical phases of this land are vividly conveyed through lighting, sound, and rare archival footage. The exhibition space is thoughtfully and aesthetically designed—both visually appealing and easy to navigate—making her feel as though she were stepping into a cinematic journey through the historical evolution of the city by the Han River.

“I was especially drawn to the section showcasing the cultural life of Da Nang in the old days,” Ms. Yen shared. “The photographs, artifacts, and models seem to carry the breath of the past, allowing me to feel more deeply how our ancestors once lived, worked, and preserved their traditions. Seeing all of this makes me love and feel even prouder of my hometown.”

Leaving the museum after an emotionally moving visit, Ms. Yen remained visibly enthusiastic. To her, the Da Nang Museum is a source of pride for the city’s residents—a place that preserves the most cherished memories of a youthful, vibrant, and modern Da Nang but still retains its cultural identity and historical depth. She believes it will become an exciting new cultural destination, one that helps younger generations better understand their local history and develop a deeper appreciation for the values and legacies passed down by their ancestors.

A striking architectural highlight

Beyond its impressive interior for exhibiting space, the Da Nang Museum makes a bold statement right from the outside, offering a visually captivating experience that has become a popular check-in spot for both tourists and locals alike. Situated at a prime location spanning three major streets—Bach Dang, Quang Trung, and Tran Phu—the museum not only enjoys a strategic position but also seamlessly integrates into the city’s broader cultural and historical landscape. It forms a harmonious architectural ensemble with key landmarks such as the Dien Hai Citadel, the General Science Library, and the poetic western bank of the Han River.

This interconnectedness allows the museum to function not only as a repository of memory but also as a living part of Da Nang’s contemporary rhythm. It also invites visitors to reconnect with the city’s cultural and historical values.

The outdoor area of the museum has been meticulously designed, allowing visitors to easily create artistic photographs that capture the essence of the space. While the Tran Phu street frontage showcases a modern touch, the Bach Dang side exudes an ancient atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop for preserving memorable moments.

Additionally, the garden area stands out as a key feature, offering a peaceful rest stop during the exploration journey. Rows of stone benches nestled beneath the shade of lush trees, and the flower-lined path leading to the Bach Dang street side... all contribute to a serene and tranquil atmosphere. This is also a favorite spot for many visitors, who take a moment to enjoy the beautiful fusion of the past and present, the harmony between history and the vibrant pace of the city.

According to the Education and Communication Department of Da Nang Museum, it is the delicate blend of historical elements and modern beauty that has made the museum one of the favorite destinations for both locals and tourists. Not only is it a place to explore history and culture, but it also offers a visual and emotional experience, where every corner can become a piece of art in creative check-in photos.

With a perfect connection between the past and the present, between the exhibition space and the surrounding architecture, the museum has become a "trendy spot" on the Da Nang tourism map, attracting young people to create content and share beautiful moments on social media, helping to promote the city's image in a natural and emotional way.

"The museum, with its new location, is not just a cultural building, but also a symbol that connects history with modern life. We hope that it will become a unique architectural highlight, enriching the city's appearance and opening up a space where tradition meets the pulse of the times," shared Mr. Dang Van Khoa, Head of the Education and Communication Department of Da Nang Museum.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by HONG VAN