VietNamNet Bridge –  After more than half a century, the Hue Museum of Antiquities will reopen its room of Champa antiques on November 23 in honour of Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Day.

Antique elegance: A restored Champa stone statue of the museum. — Photo courtesy by Hue Museum of Antiquities

Museum authorities said the room was forgotten for almost 71 years since it closed in 1945 when the Nguyen Dynasty’s (1802-1945) last king abdicated the throne.

In 1927, Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the dynasty built the room to display 40 antique items of Champa culture. The items were collected nationwide by members of the Bulletin des Amis du Vieux Hue (Bulletin of Friends of Old Hue).

Some rare, precious antiques of Champa civilisation are included in the collection. Eighty-five antiques are now said to be displayed in the room.

The reopening delighted local researchers who want to create a museum of Champa culture in Hue, featuring those 85 items plus another 30 antiques recovered from archeological excavations in the districts of Phong Dien, Quang Dien and Phu Loc in the province.

VNS