Stepping through the gates of the Da Nang Museum at 31 Tran Phu Street, I felt as though I had been swept into the current of time flowing of the city by Han River. The solemn space of the building—over 120 years old—now bears a renewed appearance that brings both familiar and refreshingly new feeling. The artifacts still carry the weight of history and culture, yet the way their stories are told has been completely transformed…

The “photo wall” featuring 76 images offering an overview of Da Nang, located right at the entrance to the third floor, draws the attention of many visitors. Photo: T.Y.

Exhibition following the flow of history

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thanh, 58 years old, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, could not hide his emotions as he experienced the new exhibition system at the Da Nang Museum for the first time. He shared that he had visited the museum at its former location on 24 Tran Phu Street four years ago, but this return felt like an entirely different experience. The reason, he explained, was that the artifacts, images, information, and video presentations allowed him to grasp more vividly the historical and cultural transformations of this land.

“It felt incredibly real, and I am truly immersive,” Mr. Thanh exclaimed after standing for a long while in the screening area that depicted early 20^th-century Da Nang, listening to the sound of waves crashing and watching scenes of people and traffic bustling at the port. The footage of merchant ships crowding the harbor and the old maritime maps transported him back to the heyday of the Hoi An – Da Nang trading hub. “In the past, I only read about Hoi An and Da Nang in books and newspapers, but now I can see history unfolding right in front of me,” he added. “The black-and-white clips showing Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants trading, the riverside market scenes… helped me vividly imagine how cultural exchanges must have taken place.”

With the mindset of displaying artifacts according to the flow of events, the museum’s storytelling unfolds the moment visitors reach the third floor. There, the striking “photo wall” featuring 76 curated images offers a sweeping visual narrative of Da Nang’s transformation—from a humble fishing village to a thriving port city with ambitions to become a key player in Asia. This exhibit has become one of the museum’s central highlights. Each photograph serves as a time capsule: from thatched-roof homes and men clad in loincloths to bustling riverside markets, and on to landmark constructions and pivotal political and cultural events—each image captures a fragment of the city’s rich and dynamic history.

Mr. Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien, Director of the Da Nang Museum, emphasized that from the very moment the city decided to relocate the museum to 42–44 Bach Dang and 31 Tran Phu, he and his colleagues in the museum sector poured their heart and soul into the project. Their hope was to transform the space into not only a repository of cultural and historical value, but also a modern, connective hub worthy of a major urban center. Beyond reimagining the museum’s approach, great attention was also given to the sustainable preservation of historical heritage. Mr. Thien noted that relocating the museum to its new address—formerly the seat of the French Resident Superior’s Office (1900–1954) and later the City Hall (1954–1975)—only deepens the site’s historical and heritage significance.

Mr. Thien further shared that one of the greatest challenges in developing the museum’s new exhibition system was finding the right balance between tradition and modernity. For that reason, throughout the renovation process, he and his team of experts dedicated themselves to exploring and researching innovative methods to present artifacts and archival materials in ways that would feel fresh and engaging.

“We wanted to preserve the soul of history, while also ensuring that the experience would feel accessible and vivid—something that could captivate young visitors and even those who wouldn’t normally step into a museum,” Mr. Thien emphasized. “In response to this need for innovation, the museum has made significant investments in display technology, virtual reality, and interactive touchscreen systems, enabling visitors not only to view the exhibits but also to immerse themselves in hands-on historical experiences.”

Come to “listen, look, read, and experience”

Nearly 3,000 artifacts and documents—carefully curated from a collection of 27,000—are displayed across an exhibition space of approximately 3,000 square meters. Organized into 45 thematic areas, these exhibits invite visitors on an engaging journey of discovery through the natural environment, history, and social fabric of the city. What makes the experience especially compelling is the spatial design: a deliberate contrast between past and present, old and new. Additional layers of information have also been thoughtfully included, such as detailed insights into local ecosystems, marine biodiversity, topographic maps, traditional craft villages, ancient settlements, and culturally significant landmarks.

Many have noted that the use of 3D mapping technology, 2D and 3D films, and image slides has effectively connected the historical and cultural narrative of Da Nang, from the Sa Huynh culture and pre-Champa periods to later stages of development. This innovative approach has transformed the museum into a dynamic space where visitors can "listen, look, read, and experience" a comprehensive overview of the city, rather than merely observing static exhibits as was the case in the past.

Mr. Huynh Van Hung, former Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, commented that the innovation in the museum's storytelling approach has made history more relatable and accessible, rather than just being a place for preserving artifacts. He noted that in the past, museum visitors primarily looked at and read about exhibits, but now they can listen, touch, experience, and engage with the content. This transformation has turned history from dry text into a vivid, emotional narrative.

On the very first day the new museum opened its doors, alongside a large number of local visitors, many international tourists also came to explore. Mr. Ricard, a French tourist, shared that he had visited many museums in Europe, but the way the Da Nang Museum incorporated modern technology to tell the story of history and culture left a deep impression on him. He mentioned that he spent 3 minutes watching the full 3D film depicting the celebration of the new rice harvest by the Co Tu people. Under the warm lighting of the exhibition space, Mr. Ricard was moved when he saw images of the Co Tu people in traditional costumes, holding musical instruments, moving in rhythm around the tall bamboo pole during the new rice harvest festival.

He shared: "In France, I've participated in many events showcasing the cultures of different ethnic groups, but experiencing a traditional festival brought to life through 3D reenactment like this is truly a rare experience. I felt as if I were standing in the mountains of the Truong Son range, listening to the sound of the gongs echoing and even smelling the strong, fragrant aroma of the 'ruou can' (traditional wine)."

Ms. Nguyen Thi My Linh, a tour guide specializing in groups from European countries, commented that the changes at the Da Nang Museum bring many benefits not only to the visitors but also to professionals like herself.

"Before, when guiding visitors to the museum, we had to explain a lot, but now the images, sounds, and videos help visitors understand the story more quickly and deeply. Especially for foreign tourists, the multilingual technology makes it easier for them to access the history and culture of Da Nang. I believe that with these innovations, the museum will become a popular destination on Da Nang's tourism map," Ms. Linh expressed.

From a static exhibition space, the Da Nang Museum has truly transformed into a new image that is both modern and approachable. And there, each artifact gradually moves beyond being just a display item to become a part of the ongoing story of the history, culture, and land that continues to unfold by the waters of the Han River.

Reporting by TIEU YEN – Translating by HONG VAN