As many as 300 documents and artifacts are on display in the exhibition Source of Studiouness at the Back Hall of Thai Hoc House, Special National Relic of Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature).

The exhibition opened on February 5 to help the public better understand the history of the establishment and development of the Temple of Literature and the Vietnamese academic system during the monarchical times.

The exhibition is presented in Vietnamese, English and French. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

In addition, the exhibition paid tribute to the most prominent promoters of Vietnamese education through documents and artifacts related to King Ly Thanh Tong, King Ly Nhan Tong, King Le Thanh Tong, teacher Chu Van An, Nguyen Phi Y Lan and famous scholars Le Van Thinh, Than Nhan Trung, Luong The Vinh.

Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, said the exhibition was organized by the Centre's staff with professional help from Vietnamese scholars and experts from France.

"Together, we tell the story of three kings, a queen, a great teacher and valedictorians, all virtuous and intelligent people who share the same vision of school and education - a factor that allows us to move towards a more peaceful, prosperous and just society," said Kieu.

The exhibition features famous people who have contributed to Vietnamese education. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Do Dinh Hong, Director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, said: "From the very beginning of the country's sovereignty, with the construction of the Temple of Literature in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong and Quoc Tu Giam in 1076 under the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, the kings of the Ly Dynasty showed respect for talent and encouraged vitality to build a strong nation. During the Tran dynasty, although the country faced countless difficulties, education was still emphasized and made new progress with the appearance of many generations of teachers and students, typically teacher Chu Van An and his students.

During the Le dynasty, especially under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, the Dai Viet educational culture developed brilliantly. For the first time in history, examinations were strictly organized and those who passed the imperial examinations had their names engraved on stone steles".

Hong affirmed that this exhibition means gratitude and honors the contributions of predecessors and famous people who laid the foundation for the development of national education and created a class of intellectuals in Vietnam during the monarchy.

The exhibition helps people understand more about education in Vietnam in the past. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times