Published on
October 5, 2025
Vietnam’s very first museum showcasing unicorn, lion, and dragon dances is opening officially on October 6, 2025, at Hoi An Station 2, within the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area in Da Nang. The 1,500-square-meter museum will become a prime cultural and tourism feature, with visitors being able to experience one of Vietnam’s most beloved folk art traditions. This inauguration represents a milestone in Vietnam’s drive to showcase its cultural heritage and keep traditional dance forms alive for generations to come.
A Unique Cultural Experience: Thematic Zones Showcasing Vietnam’s Traditional Dance Art
The museum features several themed zones that transport visitors through the history and cultural significance of the unicorn, lion, and dragon dances across Vietnam’s three main regions—the North, Central, and South:
- Northern Section: This zone emphasizes the simplicity and solemnity of the northern style, highlighting the elegant movements and ritualistic aspects of the dance.
- Central Section: Focuses on the celestial dog—a spiritual symbol in Hoi An—showcasing the region’s unique dance style and cultural significance.
- Southern Section: Known for its vibrant colors, this zone features the dynamic performance styles that reflect the lively nature of southern Vietnamese festivals.
The interactive exhibits will allow visitors to engage with the performances, gaining deeper insight into the traditional customs and artistry of these time-honored dances.
Celebrating Vietnam’s Folk Traditions During the Mid-Autumn Festival
The timing of the museum’s opening aligns with the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of Vietnam’s most important cultural celebrations. Unicorn, lion, and dragon dances are especially prominent during this time, and their association with good fortune and prosperity makes the festival an ideal occasion for the museum’s inauguration. By opening the museum during this festive period, Vietnam highlights its commitment to preserving traditional arts and offering cultural experiences to tourists during one of the most significant festivals in the country.
Hands-On Activities: Engaging Children and Visitors in Traditional Crafts
At the museum, visitors—especially children—can enjoy interactive workshops that celebrate traditional craftsmanship. These activities include:
- Mask painting
- Pottery making
- Woodblock printing
- Creating poonah paper lanterns
These workshops allow visitors to learn about and engage with Vietnam’s heritage crafts, encouraging them to take home their own Mid-Autumn keepsakes. By incorporating hands-on activities, the museum ensures that visitors don’t just observe history but actively participate in it, making the experience more memorable and educational.
Traditional Performances: Bringing Cultural Heritage to Life
To enhance the cultural experience, the museum will host various traditional performances during its opening. Lion dances and dragon dances will be featured, drawing large crowds and bringing the festive energy of the Mid-Autumn Festival to life. These performances allow visitors to experience the excitement and joy associated with these age-old traditions, offering a deeper appreciation of the artistic significance of the dances in Vietnamese culture.
Promoting Vietnam’s Traditional Culture to Global Audiences
The opening of the Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Art Museum is an important step in promoting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage to international tourists. The museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Vietnamese traditions through one of the country’s most beloved folk art forms. By showcasing the significance of these dances, the museum strengthens Vietnam’s reputation as a destination where history and modern tourism converge.
The museum’s presence at Sun World Ba Na Hills, a major tourist complex in Da Nang, ensures that it will reach a wide range of global visitors, helping to put Vietnam’s cultural tourism on the international map.
A Symbolic Moment: The Mid-Autumn Festival and Vietnam’s Cultural Pride
The Mid-Autumn Festival, which is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, celebrates family reunions, childhood, and the harvest season. The unicorn, lion, and dragon dances are an integral part of this celebration, embodying themes of prosperity, good health, and harmony. The museum’s inauguration during this time reinforces the festival’s deep connection to Vietnamese traditions and its significance as a cultural event that unites families and communities.
Charity Initiatives During the Festival: Sharing the Spirit of Giving
Alongside the cultural activities, the festival also includes charity programs aimed at supporting disadvantaged children. In regions like Tuyen Quang and Tay Ninh, children from underprivileged backgrounds have received scholarships and gifts, highlighting how the festival is not just a time for joy but also an opportunity for the community to come together and support one another. These charitable actions show how the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for solidarity, compassion, and sharing the spirit of love across Vietnam.
Hoi An and Da Nang: Key Cultural Hubs for Vietnamese Tourism
The opening of the Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Art Museum in Hoi An Station 2, part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills complex in Da Nang, underscores the city’s role as a growing hub for cultural tourism. Da Nang, with its proximity to historic cities like Hoi An and Hue, offers visitors a chance to experience both cultural heritage and modern attractions. The museum will serve as a cultural cornerstone for the region, offering an enriching experience for both local and international tourists.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Modernity: Vietnam’s Tourism Future
The Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Art Museum is more than just a cultural attraction; it is part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to blend traditional culture with modern tourism experiences. By incorporating both interactive elements and performative arts, the museum ensures that visitors can connect with the past while enjoying the comforts of contemporary travel. This fusion of the old and the new is a hallmark of Vietnam’s evolving tourism sector, positioning the country as a destination that celebrates heritage while embracing innovation.
A Cultural Landmark for the Future of Tourism in Vietnam
The opening of the Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Art Museum represents a new era in Vietnam’s cultural tourism growth. Not only does the museum showcase Vietnam’s traditional art forms but also enhances the tourism experience both for locals and international tourists. By concentrating on original cultural activities, Vietnam becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination for people interested in discovering the richness of the nation’s heritage alongside its new tourist amenities and attractions. The museum will be one of the most significant cultural symbols in Da Nang, supporting long-term growth of Vietnam’s tourism sector.
