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The historical and cultural beauty of Indochina
Built in 1926, the University of Natural Sciences building is an architectural icon of Indochina, formerly the University of Indochina before becoming Hanoi University in 1956. Located at 19 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi, this historic building is one of the most prominent Indochinese architectural works in Vietnam, designed by the French architect Ernest Hébrard in 1926.
The Indochinese architectural and artistic features at the University of Hanoi were once again brought to life through the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024.
In 2013, this building was listed by the Hanoi People's Council as an architectural work requiring preservation and promotion of cultural value, becoming an important symbol of history and art. For over 100 years, the building has remained a repository of memories for many generations of students, a symbol of knowledge, and a cultural bridge between the past and the present.
Today, the building houses the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and retains its original design. Motifs such as lotus flowers, lotus vines, the swastika, and the eight treasures are carved on the pillars and domes, conveying a profound story of East Asian culture. It is not only a place of learning and research, but also a vibrant cultural heritage, a testament to the intermingling of Vietnamese culture and French architecture.
Artist Nguyen The Son, a visual arts lecturer at Hanoi National University, shared: "This building, though seemingly a French neoclassical structure, actually embodies traditional Vietnamese aesthetics. It's an interesting example of the fusion between East and West."
The interactive art exhibition complex "Indochina Sense" at the University building attracts many visitors.
Creative Design Festival and Interactive Art Exhibition
Within the framework of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024, the University of Hanoi building complex was a highlight with a series of activities, workshops, and art exhibitions. The interactive art exhibition complex "Indochina Sense" attracted the attention of visitors by showcasing 22 unique works with a sophisticated combination of light installation art and 3D mapping technology, creating an impressive interactive art space.
Due to limited space, the organizers arranged for visitors to enter in small groups of about 10 people.
The building's main lobby is an expansive open space, featuring light installations by artist Tran Hau Yen The, recreating the early concepts of wrought iron design inspired by the light of knowledge. The shimmering light combined with classical decorative details makes this space an ideal stop for those wishing to explore the beauty of Indochinese architecture.
On the second floor, visitors enter the Biology Museum, a space showcasing scientific artifacts related to ecosystems and plant and animal species. Continuing on to the third floor, after climbing a narrow wooden staircase, visitors have the opportunity to access a previously unopened area, admiring the beauty of Indochinese architecture with its classic decorative details. The lighting system is designed to highlight the classical details, celebrating the timeless beauty of the building.
The biology museum is on the second floor of the building.
Here, artists and architects have created installation art pieces such as chandeliers and doctoral steles made of light-conducting acrylic. Particularly noteworthy is the vaulted ceiling of the building, where artist Pham Trung Hung used 3D mapping technology to recreate the image of two phoenixes – symbols of power in East Asian culture. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views, admiring the space from a novel perspective. Enhanced by light and technology, combined with music, the University has become a unique, exciting, and emotionally resonant destination.
An exhibition steeped in nostalgia and the marks of time.
Due to limited space, the organizers arranged for visitors to enter in small groups of about 10 people, allowing everyone to fully explore and appreciate the building. This is the first time the building has opened to the public as part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2024, offering an opportunity for people to admire the historical value and architectural beauty of the structure. The event is not only a cultural experience but also a journey connecting with artistic and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical buildings and inspiring creativity for the future.
Here are some more pictures of the building:
Silk arrangements for animal skeletons are available.
For the first time, visitors were able to see the display area showcasing the university's biological samples.
The building's interior space as seen from the rooftop.
