About us

Boi Tran Garden, an esteemed foundation that stands as a beacon of artistic and cultural heritage in Vietnam. Renowned as both Boi Tran Art Gallery and a pioneering force in the country's art scene, Boi Tran Garden holds the unique distinction of being the first and only gallery of its kind in the historic Imperial city of Hue. Since its inception in 1995, it has carved out a niche as an unparalleled sanctuary where art, antiques, and centuries-old architecture converge with the rich culinary traditions that have earned Hue its esteemed reputation as a culinary capital.

Boi Tran Garden, alongside Minh Chau Art Gallery (2000-2005) in Hanoi, has long been celebrated for its discerning eye and bespoke service in the realms of art acquisition and sale. The gallery offers a distinctive experience that seamlessly intertwines Hue’s traditional fine cuisine with its storied past, inviting visitors to explore both the visual and gastronomic splendors of this historic city.

Boi Tran, the visionary behind this garden, was born in the heart of Imperial Hue—a city steeped in history and resilience through the tumultuous 20th century. Despite these challenges, Boi Tran’s artistry and culinary prowess have flourished. Her garden, originally established on Thien An Hill in 1998 and later relocated to Kim Son Hill in 2022, is a testament to her dedication. Here, amidst the whispering pines and resilient blossoms, visitors can encounter masterpieces by leading Vietnamese artists such as Victor Tardieu, Vu Cao Dam, Tran Quang Tran, and many others, all housed in a charmingly preserved 100-year-old mansion infused with French Indochina influences.

The garden itself, a veritable Eden, reflects a harmony of diversity, elegance, and simplicity. Its ephemeral blooms—like the lotus and epiphyllum, which unfurl their petals only to vanish by dawn—symbolize the fleeting yet profound beauty of Boi Tran’s creative vision. The existence of this garden and the painter's work are inextricably linked, each enhancing and reflecting the other.

Among the many distinguished guests who have visited Boi Tran Garden is the celebrated Anthony Bourdain, who highlighted Boi Tran and her exquisite royal culinary creations on CNN’s Parts Unknown in 2014. Here, at Boi Tran Garden, we invite you to immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of art, history, and culinary delight, and to experience firsthand the unique legacy of one of Vietnam’s most cherished cultural treasures.

THE CALL FROM WITHIN

As an artist, I feel a profound compulsion to express my deepest gratitude for the myriad gifts that life has graciously bestowed upon me. The elegance and benevolence I have experienced often reveal themselves in the most modest yet profoundly significant ways—whether in a solemn prayer to our sacred Mother, the boundless embrace of maternal affection, or the tranquil beauty of nature's earliest light and the delicate dew that graces the morning.

These ephemeral moments, each a quiet testament to life's miracles, fill my existence with a radiant joy and a profound sense of wonder. They are the cherished gems of my journey, casting a gentle and enduring light that continually inspires and enriches the tapestry of my life.

Boi Tran

Management

MINH CHAU

General Manager
minhchau@boitrangarden.com

Based in San Diego, Minh Chau emerges from a lineage deeply rooted in the art culture of Hue. Her prior venture, the Minh Chau Art Gallery located at 7 Ly Dao Thanh Street in Hanoi, circa 2000, was renowned for its commitment to showcasing exceptional works. With a return to her heritage, the gallery has been meticulously reimagined to reflect traditional architectural styles, bridging the past with the present.

For over a decade, Minh Chau has dedicated herself to the art of collecting, amassing a distinguished collection that includes works by prominent artists such as Nguyen Gia Tri, Tran Van Can, Bui Xuan Phai, Nguyen Sang, Nguyen Trung, Dinh Cuong, Sy Ngoc, Tran Luu Hau, Diep Minh Chau, and Boi Tran, among others. Her collection is a testament to her discerning eye and deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of Vietnamese art and culture.

Thuc Doan / Bem — Vice Director, Art Researcher at Vietnamese Art Archive (www.thucdoan.com)

THUC DOAN / BEM

Deputy Manager
Art Researcher, Photographer
thucdoan@boitrangarden.com

Immersed in a rich environment of art and cultural heritage, Thuc Doan has established herself as an eminent independent advisor, translator, and interpreter with a focus on Vietnamese art. Her professional expertise is centered on the curation and development of private art collections. She provides specialized curatorial and consultancy services for collectors, buyers, and consignors.

At the Vietnamese Art Archive, Thuc Doan plays a pivotal role in producing reference catalogues, translating scholarly articles, and providing insightful information. Her work supports renowned institutions such as Christie’s and Art Agenda S.E.A., as well as a wide range of private collectors both locally and internationally. Her dedication to advancing the understanding and dissemination of Vietnamese art highlights her influential presence in the global art sphere.

Boi Tran — Artist, Senior Consultant

BOI TRAN

Artist, Advisor
boitran@boitrangarden.com

Hailing from Hue, Vietnam, Boi Tran is a distinguished member of the Vietnam Fine Art Association, whose career has been marked by significant artistic achievements since 1996. Her work has been prominently displayed in various exhibitions across Hue and has found its place in both local and international private collections.

Boi Tran’s expertise lies in oil and lacquer painting, with her artistic practice predominantly focusing on themes such as Vietnamese women, maternity, nature, and religious motifs. Her contributions to the field are notable not only for their thematic depth but also for their technical sophistication. Boi Tran’s paintings have been exhibited and auctioned at some of the world’s most prestigious auction houses, including Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams, and Ravenel, where she is recognized as the sole female Vietnamese artist to achieve such distinction. Her work continues to enrich the global art discourse, reflecting both the cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of Vietnamese art.

The Melchior Dejouany Collection ‘The Phoenix Glue and the Broken Silk Thread’ and His Expression

Christie’s Paris: The Melchior Dejouany Collection ‘The Phoenix Glue and the Broken Silk Thread’

Christie’s: Southeast Asian Pictures’ Letter to Boi Tran Art Gallery in 1999