One painting, created in 1930, is about a Buddhist pagoda festival and the other created in 1961, depicts aspirations for national unity.

They were badly damaged by high humidity and heat, according to the Vietnam Art Museum, adding that the two restored paintings will be put on display on September 18.

The restoration received US$20,000 in support by the Ambassador Fund for the Preservation of Culture, (AFPC), which was founded by the US Government in 2001 to help developing countries preserve their culture.

This year alone, the AFPC has provided 2.8 million USD for 87 projects in 76 countries.