Exhibition highlights Hanoi's imperial legacy

The first exhibition, titled "Thang Long Imperial Citadel - Hanoi, a Heritage for the Future," features 150 documents, images, and artifacts, highlighting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel's journey to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and its global significance and historical depth.

According to organizers, visitors can explore the criteria that earned Thang Long its World Heritage designation, reflecting its outstanding value across more than a thousand years of history.

The incense offering space is recreated at Kinh Thien Palace in Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung

The exhibition will showcase artifacts like Ky Dai (Flag Tower), Doan Mon (main gate), Kinh Thien Palace, and Hau Lau (Princess Palace) and help visitors learn more about the dragon and phoenix symbols that embody the site's imperial legacy.

The theme explores the significance and value of dragon and phoenix motifs through archaeological artifacts, architectural materials, and royal palace items from the Ly, Tran, Early Le, Mac, and Later Le dynasties at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site. Notably, the exhibition will also showcase artifacts and collections featuring dragon motifs that the Vietnamese Government has recognized as national treasures.

These artifacts are tangible proof of Thang Long - Hanoi's illustrious history and embody the core values that contribute to the rich historical legacy of this ancient heritage site.

The exhibition will also give future visions via ongoing restoration projects and technological innovations to preserve and revive the ancient citadel's historical splendor.

According to Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, as honoring the past while embracing the future, the development strategy for the Thang Long Imperial Citadel aims to balance the preservation of its thousand-year-old values with the transmission of its heritage to future generations, in line with the World Heritage Convention. This theme underlines new research findings at the site, especially through information technology and initial research results.

The center has been progressively restoring the Le Dynasty's Kinh Thien Palace and the Le Dynasty's Chinh Dan ritual, the most crucial worshipping ceremony, working towards gradually reviving the Thang Long Imperial Citadel's historical appearance.

Interactive elements, including 3D technology and QR codes, will enrich the visitor experience, providing deeper insights into the citadel's storied past.

Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam: The pinnacle of Confucian learning

The second exhibition, "Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam: The Essence of Vietnamese Confucian Education," delves into the origins and evolution of Vietnam's premier Confucian educational institution.

A corner of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, or Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam.

It highlights the historical evolution of Vietnamese education via the journey of a Confucian scholar from early education to academic achievement at the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, or Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam, and service to the nation.

Selected from thousands of scientific documents and images, the exhibition features exemplary content presented in a rich and aesthetically appealing format. It offers visitors a fresh and engaging experience by blending traditional display methods with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This exhibition celebrates the values of scholarly pursuit, respect for teachers, and the importance of intellectual talent. It highlights the contributions of people devoted to serving the national culture and aims to inspire and energize today's youth. Additionally, the exhibition serves as a platform to promote and honor the cultural heritage of Thang Long - Hanoi, particularly the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam site, to a wide national audience.

Special artifacts on display

In addition to the exhibitions, the museum will also feature a replica of the Co Loa Drum, a significant gift from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, symbolizing the enduring cultural bond between the two cities.

The exhibitions will open to the public starting August 23, 2024, at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1. This initiative marks a major cultural event, celebrating Hanoi's heritage while fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Vietnam's historical and cultural legacy.