Get to Hoi An to discover the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, which depicts the culture and traditions of all the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.
Thanks to Réhahn, the French photographer who established the gallery, you get more than 500 square meters of space to take in a live image of the distinguished costumes of various ethnic minorities and communities in Vietnam.
I had a terrific day out at Precious Heritage project in Hoi An, and I promise you will also love it. Let’s get right into this complete guide.
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum – Overview
I’d like to start off this guide with some basic knowledge that may help you decide exactly how you should get to the museum, where it’s located, and its opening hours.
If you appreciate photographic stories with a pinch of history, then the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is right up your alley.
Where is the Precious Heritage Art Gallery?
It’s located in the ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam. The museum acts as a cultural bridge, presenting an array of diverse cultural styles found in Vietnam through Réhahn’s photography.
How to Get There?
Hoi An is 45 minutes from Da Nang. No matter where you are in old town, the Gallery is super accessible by foot and literally a perfect spot for a little break when you are wandering the streets in Hoi An.
I love Hoi An, anytime, and I recommend spending a day in town!
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
It’s completely free, so you can roam through and discover many aspects of Vietnam’s different cultures just soaking it all up on your own.
Plus, the gallery is open every day from 8 in the morning to 8 at night, so you could come here at a time that’s convenient for you.
Is the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Worth Visiting?
If you visit Vietnam, you have to visit Precious Heritage Art Gallery to experience the wealth of Vietnamese tradition beautifully captured by Réhahn decorated through beautiful images, , and you should include it in your Hoi An travel itinerary.
Each exhibit is made perfectly to display the photos and introduce to you the tribal groups of Vietnam, with a movie continuously playing, traditional clothes, and good quality pictures.
This is one of the best things to do in Hoi An, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
What to Expect at Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Now you have a better understanding of the museum, let us brief you about what you should be expecting when you visit the sections, and the different art pieces. Spoiler alert; you will love it!
The Fine Art Room
In the Fine Art Room, you’ll see intricacies of work on display: discover striking portraits, hand-painted with oil, and hand-to-hand portraits of Hoi An.
Although not strictly an art gallery in the usual sense, the images line the walls in this space, each one a living piece of the photographer’s work.
You’ll see studio-style professional headshots of various people from the ethnic tribes alongside other interesting images.
Réhahan has a gift for connecting with people and has demonstrated through his photographs over the years traveling in Vietnam (Réhahn traveled to Vietnam several times for extended time), and it’s nice to see real photos of day-to-day lifestyle.
If you’ve been to (or plan to) Sa Pa, you’ll recognize a similar authenticity here. Réhahn’s photos go beyond the typical to really highlight the individual stories and personalities of his subjects.
The Indigo Room
Upstairs, you can visit the Indigo Room, filled with photographs and traditional tribal wear.
These all have specific meanings connected to the Vietnamese cultural heritage, so each room with its style tells the tale making you feel like you are a guest in the tribe’s home visiting.
For many people in Vietnam, these fabrics are both a mode of expression and their job, as many artisans depend on these fabrics as their sole income.
Almost all of the patterns on this array of indigo-dyed textiles, each one with its unique print, hold ancestral narratives of tradition, community, and, above all, survival, making the Indigo Room another good hangout.
There are several stores in Hoi An and other big cities that sell traditional clothes similar to those, and they make a great souvenir to bring back home from Vietnam.
The Exhibits Showing the Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups
The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum gives you a peek into the lives of different ethnic groups in Northern and Central Vietnam. It’s a cool way to learn about the traditions and customs of these vibrant groups.
Northern Vietnam is home to tribes like the Cong, Si La, Dao, Pu Peo, Kho Mu, and Flower Hmong. Each of these tribes has its own distinct language, skills, and traditional costumes, which are showcased in the museum.
You’ll see the colorful attire of the Flower Hmong, the intricate embroidery of the Dao, and the unique customs of the Pu Peo. Each exhibit is curated to provide an authentic representation of these tribes, and having been to Northern Vietnam, I can tell you that they did a great job.
The exhibit about Central and Southern Vietnam is your chance to discover ethnic groups that have remained largely inaccessible to foreigners.
The museum’s collection lets you see how these communities are navigating the modern world, from traditional weaving techniques to evolving customs.
This gallery does more than just showcase traditional costumes and artifacts; it’s actively raising awareness about the endangered cultural heritage of these ethnic groups.
By seeing the ethnic diversity of Northern and Central Vietnam, you’re helping preserve and promote their rich traditions for the future.
Conclusion
Visiting the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum in Hoi An lets you see Vietnam’s cultural scene from an entirely new angle. It’s all through the lens of Réhahn, a photographer who captures the real stories behind Vietnam’s ethnic tribes.
By stepping through its doors, you’re not just checking out cool stuff; you’re helping keep Vietnam’s diverse cultures vibrant and alive. So if you’re into history, love art, or just want a peek into a different way of life, this museum is a must-visit
It’s your chance to connect with the customs, traditions, and stories shaping the identity of Vietnam.
