CSO Gallery Hoi An museum offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the largest collection of Truyện Kiều (the Tale of Kieu or Kim Ven Kieu) by the great poet Nguyen Du – whose title has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Celebrity, delve into the fascinating world of overprinted stamps, and journey through the annals of ancient currency.

Step into the enchanting world of CSO Gallery Hoi An museum, where cultural treasures and historical marvels come alive. The gallery, founded by the distinguished collector Trần Hữu Tài (Mr. Tai), is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for preserving and celebrating world’s rich heritage. This immersive experience spans three decades of meticulous research, investment, and a deep-seated love for cultural artifacts.

Experience the timeless tale of Kieu Collection

Upon entering CSO Gallery, visitors are immediately captivated by the grandeur of the tale of Kieu collection. This masterpiece, which has enchanted readers for generations, is showcased in a dedicated space that spans the entire first floor. The collection includes:

An Extensive Array of tale of Kieu Editions: Explore editions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each reflecting the historical and cultural context in which it was published.
International Editions: Discover translations of the tale of Kieu published in over 16 countries, illustrating the global impact and timeless appeal of Nguyen Du’s literary work.

The gallery proudly features manuscripts and print editions dating back over 100 years., providing a glimpse into the evolution of this cherished work. One of the gallery’s most prized possessions is the exclusive print and manuscript of “Kim – Túy – Tình – Từ” which can only be found at CSO Gallery. Mr. Tai shares, “Some of the publications I acquired were in tatters, necessitating extensive restoration work to preserve their historical value.”

In 2022, the tale of Kieu collection was officially recognized for having the largest number of editions in Vietnam, with an impressive total of 1,630 publications. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the first Vietnamese national language newspaper and the inaugural Vietnamese automobile magazine, further enriching Viet Nam cultural experience.

Mr. Tai’s journey to create this remarkable collection involved more than just gathering artifacts. It required a deep commitment to learning Classical Chinese and researching ancient documents, a testament to his dedication to preserving and celebrating the literary heritage of Vietnam and beyond.

Discover the Fascinating World of Overprinted Stamps and Equine Mascots

Stepping into the next room, visitors are greeted by the impressive collection housed within the Stamps Gallery. As you transition into the Stamps Gallery, you are greeted by an array of overprinted stamps and equine mascots, each with its own story and historical significance. This gallery features:

A Diverse Range of Overprinted Stamps: Discover stamps that have been altered for various reasons, from cost-saving measures to assertions of sovereignty during imperial occupations.
Equine Mascots and Special Series: Admire unique stamp series, including those featuring Ho Chi Minh and perforated stamps.

Mr. Tai confidently asserts, “I may be one of the first in the world to write content and collect overprinted stamps.” He explains that these stamps emerged for several reasons, including the need to save on printing costs and time by reusing large quantities of stamps. Historically, overprinted stamps were often used during periods of imperial occupation or to assert national sovereignty, and they also altered the stamps’ original purposes.

Among his favorite artifacts is the series of American newspaper stamps from 1897. “These stamps were used by companies to affix to newspapers and magazines” he elaborates. The gallery also features unique overprinted stamps from World War I and II, used by occupying nations such as Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the United States, and Japan. Mr. Tai points out, “There is no existing catalog on overprinted stamps worldwide, our collection represents nearly the entire global inventory.”

Beyond showcasing these fascinating stamps, Mr. Tai delves into their historical contexts, offering visitors a rich understanding of their significance. The Stamps Gallery invites you to explore the intricate history of these stamps and their impact on global postal systems.

Journey Through the Coin Gallery: A Chronicle of Ancient Currency

Mr. Tai has dedicated the expansive second and third floors of CSO Gallery to displaying an extensive collection of ancient coins and banknotes from various countries. Visitors can explore:

Coins from World War I and II Eras in Vietnam: Gain insights into the economic history of Vietnam during these pivotal periods.
Ancient Chinese Coins: Explore coins dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221 BC) and learn about the evolution of Chinese currency through the Han and Tang Dynasties.
Global Coin Collections: Discover an extensive catalog of coins from numerous countries, providing a window into their historical currency systems.

Mr. Tai’s dedication to collecting and organizing these artifacts is evident in the meticulous presentation of the collection. Visitors will gain a profound understanding of the evolution of currency in countries such as Britain, France, Germany, and Russia, among others, through different historical periods. The Coin Gallery also features a complete collection of Vietnamese coins, both pre- and post-1945, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s numismatic history.

Impressive Highlights of CSO Gallery

CSO Gallery is home to an array of impressive statistics that showcase its vast scope and depth:

77 Collections from Over 200 Countries: A testament to the gallery’s global reach and diverse offerings.
20,000 Artifacts Dating from 50 to 2,000 Years Old: Each artifact tells a unique story, enriching our understanding of the histories of various countries around the world.

Every entry ticket to CSO Gallery – a privately funded gallery is not only a gateway to the world of knowledge but also supporting us in maintaining, preserving historical collections. Our mission is to foster culture inspiration and values for the community.

Mr. Tai cherishes a heartfelt letter from a visitor that captures the essence of the gallery’s mission

Through Mr. Tai’s unwavering dedication and passion, CSO Gallery stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and historical education. It invites visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of heritage through its the tale of Kieu collection, the intriguing world of overprinted stamps and equine mascots, and the expansive Coin Gallery. Each visit promises an enlightening experience, offering a deeper appreciation of our shared cultural legacy.

CSO Galley in Hoi An
Address: 229 Cua Dai, Hoi An
Hotline: 056.222.66.88
Opening: 08:00 – 17:00 Tuesday to Sunday
Email: Hoian.gallery.cso@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csogallery