At the end of 2024, the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts received the National Digital Transformation Award (Vietnam Digital Awards) for the second time, presented by the Vietnam Digital Communications Association and VietTimes Online Magazine. The museum was recognised for its VAES Online Fine Arts Exhibition Space, which has created exceptional value while demonstrating outstanding creativity in digital transformation solutions.
VAES is Vietnam’s first online exhibition space and was developed by the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in collaboration with Vietsoftpro. It consists of two major components: a stylised lotus-shaped building, and beautifully designed exhibition spaces tailored to different content themes.
Built with 3D technology to simulate real-world spaces, VAES allows artists to find suitable display solutions that cater to their needs and creativity. Meanwhile, visitors can explore artworks anytime, anywhere via the museum’s website or mobile app.
By the end of February, the VAES Online Fine Arts Exhibition Space had recorded 300,000 visits and was hosting 15 virtual exhibitions, drawing significant public interest. Previously, the museum also introduced the iMuseum VFA multimedia guide, which provided visitors with enriching experiences and won the National Digital Transformation Award in 2021.
Thu Huong, Head of Communications and External Affairs at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
According to Thu Huong, numerous museums are now embracing advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D technology in their exhibitions. For instance, the National Museum of History was among the first to adopt 3D technology for both exhibition displays and artifact preservation.
Visitors to the museum’s website can now choose from various themed exhibitions, such as “Prehistoric Vietnam”, “Dong Son Culture”, “Oc Eo-Funan Culture”, “Buddhist Cultural Heritage”, and “Vietnamese Sacred Animals”.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Southern Women’s Museum became the first to utilise 3D hologram projection combined with VR technology. This innovation allows visitors to view artifacts as if they were present in a real-world setting from multiple perspectives.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History also launched a 3D/360-degree interactive museum project and recently tested the AI-powered Sanbot Robot to guide visitors with features such as image and video presentations, museum introductions, and artifact descriptions.
The Vietnam Museum of Military History employs 3D projection systems, touch screens, and VR technology to recreate significant historical events. For example, the VR experience of the “12-Day-and-Night Battle of Dien Bien Phu in the Air” (1972) immerses viewers in the wartime atmosphere. Similarly, through the exhibit depicting the Liberation Army’s tank crashing through the gates of the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975, VR users can relive the historic moment as if they were riding inside the tank.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is also utilising VR technology to create interactive heritage tours. These VR experiences allow visitors to explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups in a comprehensive and engaging manner. The museum has further incorporated automatic audio guides, digital projections, and touchscreen displays to enhance visitor interaction.
Technological applications are fundamentally transforming the museum experience. Traditionally, museums were seen as places displaying static artifacts. However, with modern technology, these artifacts now become integral parts of dynamic narratives. As a result, museum messages are conveyed more vividly and meaningfully.
Technology not only enhances exhibition displays but is also applied in artifact collection, preservation, communication, and community engagement. Integrating digital tools into museum operations has significantly increased the number of student visitors. Many schools now consider museum visits an essential part of history and cultural education, as interactive experiences help students grasp knowledge more quickly and effectively.
For example, the National Museum of History’s website features an interactive section called “Engage with historians.” With just a click, users can hear experts explain key details about historical events and artifacts as well as fascinating stories related to their interests.
The digital transformation of museums is an essential requirement of the modern era. Many museums have undergone significant transformations by swiftly adopting new technologies to attract visitors. However, some institutions still face limitations in applying technology creatively.
According to Nguyen Anh Minh, Director of the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, the biggest challenges in museum technology adoption are human resources and funding. Investing in advanced technology requires substantial financial resources, necessitating strong efforts in socialisation and fundraising. Additionally, new technologies demand highly skilled personnel for effective operation, but current workforce training in Vietnam’s museum sector has yet to meet this need.
Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Van Huy, former Director of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, emphasised that museum operations must be built on three core pillars: science, art, and technology. While technology serves as the backbone of museum activities, its success relies on a rich and well-curated content foundation. Modern technological features can provide unique experiences, but they must be integrated with creative storytelling and high-quality exhibition content. Striking a balance between technology and content is crucial to avoid situations where museums invest in digital innovations but lack engaging narratives.
