Cover Nguyen Thieu Kien – CEO of Quang San Art Museum
Nguyen Thieu Kien – CEO of Quang San Art Museum
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Quang San carries the essence of family and heritage, precisely what the CEO of Quang San Art Museum seeks to uphold.
Quang San—a name derived from the founder’s and his mother’s names, meaning “bright mountain”—has carried the essence of family and heritage from the very beginning. This spirit of continuity is precisely what Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum, seeks to uphold.
Originating from a private collection cultivated over two decades, Quang San Art Museum was founded in response to the public’s growing appreciation of art. Driven by the vision of creating a vibrant cultural space, the museum not only showcases valuable works but also hosts a variety of educational initiatives, preserving and promoting cultural heritage while inspiring a new generation of art enthusiasts.
We spoke with Mr. Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum and the next-generation custodian of his family’s 20-year collection legacy.
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Above The exhibition ‘Thu Nga Em Nang’ at Quang San Art Museum (Photo: Facebook / Quang San Art Museum)
The exhibition ‘Thu Nga Em Nang’ at Quang San Art Museum (Photo: Facebook / Quang San Art Museum)
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Before opening the museum, your father was a renowned collector with a vast collection of artworks. How did that influence you?
My father often interacted with collectors and artists, and I would listen in on their conversations. Through this, I came to appreciate the diversity, depth, and dedication of Vietnamese artists—many of whom remain underappreciated by the Vietnamese public.
Could you share more about the concept of Quang San Museum? How are the works curated and displayed? How was the museum’s visual identity shaped?
The museum currently exhibits 120 works from our family’s collection of 1,500 pieces. These displays are refreshed every six months to a year, depending on special themes, ensuring visitors always experience something new.
The museum spans three floors, each dedicated to a distinct era. The ground floor features works by the first generation of Indochina artists, from 1925 to 1945. The first floor is divided into two sections: 1A houses later Indochina artists, while 1B showcases works from the resistance period. The second floor presents post-1975 artworks, covering the 1980s to the present, reflecting Vietnam’s artistic evolution after unification. Each piece represents a different artist, allowing visitors to grasp the richness of Vietnamese painting.
In February 2024, we introduced QS Artspace in the basement—a dynamic venue for exhibitions, educational workshops, and events, offering younger generations a gateway into contemporary art.
The building itself was originally designed by architect Ngo Viet Nam Son, son of the esteemed architect Ngo Viet Thu, as a private residence to accommodate our extensive collection. When we transitioned to a museum model in June 2023, the facilities required significant enhancements. With my experience in large museums, I recognise the need for further adjustments to meet professional standards. We are currently developing a dedicated area for souvenirs, books, and a small café.
Above Mr. Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum
Mr. Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum
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What are the criteria for selecting works exhibited at the museum? What activities take place here?
At QS Artspace, we allocate space for emerging artists, selecting them personally rather than leasing exhibition spaces. I prioritise artists with established practices, ensuring that we present high-quality exhibitions to the public.
Our focus is not on competing with longstanding organisers of exhibitions for young artists. Instead, our primary goal is to educate visitors on the depth and diversity of Vietnamese painting across different periods. Once this foundation is laid, we introduce audiences to younger artists at QS Artspace, fostering a culture of museum-going and artistic appreciation.
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Above Mr. Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum
Mr. Nguyen Thieu Kien, CEO of Quang San Art Museum
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With Quang San Museum now in the hands of the second generation, do you have plans for passing this artistic legacy to future generations?
My father understands the challenges of preserving and passing down an art collection. He never pressured family members to manage it, but he actively shared his knowledge with us. My sister is currently studying art management, while I am gradually becoming accustomed to overseeing the museum. I find this role both meaningful and essential within Saigon’s art scene.
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What are the advantages and challenges of running Quang San Art Museum, given that art remains a luxury in Vietnam and professional private museums are still rare?
As the first private art museum in Saigon, Quang San benefits from in-house expertise in both art and business operations. However, challenges remain.
The first challenge is human resources—museum management is still very new in Vietnam, making it difficult to find trained professionals. The second is financial sustainability. While we do not prioritise profit, and our entrance fees are slightly higher than average, we must ensure long-term viability.
The third challenge lies in specialisations such as restoration, preservation, and curation. Our team possesses fundamental knowledge but requires further expertise to elevate our operations. The positive news is that various organisations are now hosting workshops to train the next generation of museum professionals.
Article adapted from the original print publication, Tatler Vietnam, October 2024 – Family & Legacy.
Credits
Photography: Harry Vu
