The Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts is a national museum established by the Vietnamese government to preserve and present the country's artistic treasures. It first opened to the public in 1966 and features not only contemporary 'fine arts, such as paintings and sculptures but also traditional arts, which include different forms of religious sculptures, folk paintings, and ceramics. The Museum is also a place for contemplating great works of art produced by generations of artists whose life and work reflect the country's major artistic achievements and historical landmarks of the 20th century.