With its official opening and commencement of operations, the Da Nang Museum offers visitors and residents alike a rich and engaging experience. Behind this institution lies a remarkable story of architectural vision and design.

Architect Jean-François Milou, founder and CEO of Studio Milou—the principal design firm behind the Da Nang Museum project. Photo courtesy of: NVCC

Da Nang Weekend recently had the opportunity to speak with renowned French architect Jean-François Milou—founder and CEO of Studio Milou, the lead design firm behind the Da Nang Museum project—to offer readers a deeper understanding of this new space where the city’s vibrant history will be brought to life.

* Studio Milou is internationally recognized for its expertise in designing and constructing large-scale public projects, distinguished by an architectural philosophy that blends simplicity, innovation, and respect for existing structures. Could you share how this design philosophy was applied throughout the process of designing and constructing the Da Nang Museum?

- You're absolutely right—and achieving that simplicity required extensive work and research on our part to maintain our design philosophy while still complying with the strict standards for a modern public building. In fact, simplicity but sophistication in space handling can offer enduring value for both the structure and its users.

The new Da Nang Museum was redesigned based on the foundations of a building originally constructed by the French in 1898 and completed in 1900. The structure bears the grand, generous characteristics of classic French colonial architecture. For us, designing the new museum was a prime example of how an existing building can be thoughtfully and appropriately repurposed. That’s why our design approach focused on adding a distinct, standalone element to the historic structure—one that fully respects strict conservation principles. The addition is non-intrusive, removable, and seamlessly integrated with the original building.

Beyond the overarching concept of the project, the architect’s task here was to devise solutions that conceal the complexity of the design—so that what the public experiences is a serene, contemplative space where they can fully immerse themselves in the artworks and historical narratives, which are presented using advanced technologies such as 3D mapping, and 2D and 3D films. The audience’s experience and emotional engagement with the space are always prioritized and form the very heart of every design solution. We rigorously adhered to all project requirements while preserving our distinctive architectural style.

Specifically, building upon the existing historic structure, we undertook a meticulous restoration and introduced a newly added wing that embraces a tranquil courtyard adorned with fresh landscaping. Architecturally, the design of this new wing clearly reflects a contemporary approach. Rather than imitating the historical features of the original building. Conceived as an open, continuous courtyard, the new addition features slender columns and louvered screens that act as a delicate filter—softening natural light and creating a gentle ambiance within the museum’s interior spaces.

The newly added wing features a modern architectural language, with an open, continuous roofline that connects seamlessly with various directions of the city, particularly along Tran Phu and Bach Dang streets. This design allows visitors to walk from the new square in front of the People's Council building to the library that stretches along the banks of the Han River. In effect, the new museum enhances the existing pedestrian network, integrating itself into a cluster of historic civic landmarks that have long been part of the city's urban and cultural fabric.

* From an architectural trends perspective, does the design and construction of the Da Nang Museum reflect any connections with contemporary architectural styles?

- Globally, museum architecture today follows a variety of design trends. The new Da Nang Museum aligns with the trend of historical museum architecture. This is also a prevailing direction in Vietnam, as seen in the emergence of numerous large-scale historical museums in recent years, such as the Vietnam Military History Museum and the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum.

Previously, the old Da Nang Museum had successfully developed a traditional museum model that blended curated exhibitions with multimedia technology, internet-based platforms, and educational programs aimed at making heritage more accessible—particularly for children and school communities. With the new museum, we have adopted more advanced design solutions to optimize this model further, while also connecting the museum to the expansive pedestrian promenade along the Han River.

In addition, when it comes to the exhibition space, a defining feature of historical museum architecture,  have retained a familiar architectural motif while reimagining the spatial design of both “exhibition” and “non-exhibition” areas in a more contemporary way. At the new Da Nang Museum, within the newly constructed wing, the exhibition areas (designed for both long-term and temporary displays) offer visitors immersive simulations of six distinct historical periods in the city’s development. Each chapter is presented in five minutes.

The project’s blend of traditional and contemporary elements is reflected not only through the architecture but also through the exhibition content with traditional exhibition spaces in the existing building, and more technological exhibition spaces in the new wing project. The “non-exhibition” areas are envisioned as open community spaces, including a three-story atrium that serves as a central access point to the various galleries.

It’s important to note that many of the artifacts on display—such as archival documents, textiles, and composite materials—are inherently fragile and pose long-term conservation challenges. These concerns should be addressed proactively. Our architectural design proposes that all public areas, both “exhibition” and “non-exhibition”, be carefully controlled for light exposure and tropical climate conditions to support artifact preservation.

Reporting by NHAN HOA ANH – Translating by HONG VAN