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Hanoi, a land of thousand-year-old culture, has always been an endless source of inspiration for historical stories and works of art. Every street corner, every road here is like an ancient book, containing countless ups and downs of time. On major holidays, the capital city dons a new, vibrant coat of colors while still retaining its inherent ancient charm.
This year, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi, the city is more radiant than ever. Festivals and exhibitions held throughout the city not only recreate the heroic milestones of history but also serve as a bridge for the younger generation to better understand the nation's cultural traditions. Images of old bicycles, ancient houses, and black-and-white photographs displayed in these exhibitions will transport us back in time, allowing us to relive memorable moments of a bygone era.
The vibrant exhibition "Memories of Hanoi - 70 Years" showcases the charm of old Hanoi.
The "Hanoi Memories - 70 Years" exhibition will take place from October 2nd to October 13th, 2024. At the Phung Hung mural space, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, in collaboration with artists and researchers, will decorate and arrange a model of the ancient Old Quarter.
This event, organized by the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee and entrusted to the Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Management Board, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi. The event involved the collaboration of artists and historical researchers.
People enthusiastically admired the exhibition space.
At the Phung Hung mural space (Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi), this exhibition recreates the atmosphere of old Hanoi in the Old Quarter during the period of the nationwide resistance war of Hanoi's army and people until the day of the liberation of the capital (1946-1954). In February 1947, after 60 days and nights of fierce fighting, the Capital Regiment withdrew from the inner city of Hanoi with a promise to return victorious. The Vietnamese people in general and the people of Hanoi in particular endured nine years of protracted resistance to achieve the liberation of the capital on October 10, 1954.
In February 1947, after 60 days and nights of fierce fighting, the Capital Regiment withdrew from the inner city of Hanoi with a promise to return victorious.
The decorated spaces, modeled after the ancient old quarter, archways, flags, banners, slogans, and the photo exhibition themed "Hoan Kiem District - Historical Images" promise to be an interesting check-in spot for locals and tourists visiting Hanoi.
Celebrating the art of lacquerware with the exhibition "Sacred Marks"
"Sacred Marks" by young artist Chu Nhat Quang has just been unveiled to the public. This event commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi, held from October 5th to 15th, in the sacred space of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Heritage Site (Hanoi).
Amidst the architecture of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, "Sacred Traces" offers the public a unique artistic experience.
Unlike typical indoor lacquer painting exhibitions, "Sacred Marks" by artist Chu Nhat Quang is displayed outdoors, in conjunction with the architecture of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, offering the public a unique artistic experience. This reflects the spirit of young artists, ready to experiment and seek new ways of expressing traditional materials.
The young artist also stated that this is just the beginning of a long journey in his career as a lacquer painter.
Sacred Marks comprises 52 traditional lacquer paintings depicting landscapes of the homeland and national heritage sites, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern artistic styles, and displayed according to four themes. The "Beginning" theme focuses on still life, reflecting contemplation of life's aesthetic values. The "Root" theme showcases cultural features and national heritage such as Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Turtle Tower, One Pillar Pagoda, and Thầy Pagoda.
Chu Nhat Quang continues the family tradition by developing lacquer painting – an art form that demands meticulousness, sophistication, and creative vision.
The theme "Spirit" evokes nostalgia for culture and heritage, and awakens an awareness of protecting cultural heritage in a modern context. The theme "Cradle" features paintings of the homeland, village communal houses, and puppet art, conveying a message of harmony between humans and nature and the hope of preserving the nation's traditional values through generations.
The "Sacred Traces" exhibition will open at 5 PM on October 5th and run until October 15th.
The "Sacred Traces" exhibition is not only the mark of an artist, but also a reminder of the importance of protecting and promoting traditional values, so that they continue to spread and integrate into the ever-changing flow of the world.
Entering Hoa Lo prison, I heard the story of "Bang ơi...!"
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi, the Hoa Lo Prison Relic Management Board is organizing a thematic exhibition titled "Oh, Banyan Trees...!", from October 8th to December 31st. The exhibition, "Oh, Banyan Trees…!", features images and stories about banyan trees in Hoa Lo Prison, banyan trees on remote islands, and banyan trees in poetry and painting… helping us to better understand and appreciate this simple tree species, which, despite growing in harsh conditions, still thrives and provides shade.
Bang once again became a "witness to history," witnessing the hardships and heroic struggles of the political prisoners at Hoa Lo prison in the past.
The shady Terminalia trees were intertwined with the daily lives of political prisoners. Female prisoners would chew the bark of the Terminalia tree with lime like betel nut, while the male prisoners hollowed out dry branches to make pipes for smoking. Ripe Terminalia fruit was a source of nutrition for generations of political prisoners, young Terminalia buds were a medicinal remedy, tender Terminalia leaves were heated and used as compresses for pain, and fallen leaves were used to write poetry... The Terminalia trees served as markers for New Year's gifts and greetings to be thrown over the prison walls. These were shipments from the city arriving inside the prison, allowing the prisoners to hold "airplane parties."
The exhibition is a tribute and remembrance of the contributions and heroic sacrifices of the patriotic and revolutionary soldiers who were captured and imprisoned by the French colonialists at Hoa Lo Prison.
Today, the story of the Terminalia catappa tree continues to be told to visitors at Hoa Lo Prison in surprisingly creative ways. A golden Terminalia catappa leaf inscribed with a poem by a revolutionary soldier has become a souvenir for visitors. Other treats made from Terminalia catappa fruit include Terminalia catappa bud tea, Terminalia catappa jelly, and Terminalia catappa cakes... all made from the leaves of the century-old tree. The "Indomitable Tea" offered to visitors during the "Sacred Night" features Terminalia catappa jelly, Terminalia catappa tea, and fragrant lotus.
The exhibition "Oh, Banyan Tree…!" is designed with a main color palette of green and yellow, inspired by the colors of banyan leaves.
The exhibition consists of two parts: The first part, titled "Banyan Trees in Hoa Lo Prison," introduces the "Knight Banyan Tree," which, over time, grew and became intimately connected and useful to many generations of political prisoners at Hoa Lo Prison.
The Indian almond tree in the women's camp courtyard was planted in early spring 2001, when General Secretary Le Kha Phieu, along with other leaders of the Party, State, and Hanoi city, visited former political prisoners and toured the Hoa Lo Prison historical site.
These special exhibitions are more than just displays. They are an exciting journey of discovery, taking young people back to Hanoi's glorious past and allowing them to admire its profound cultural values. Each painting and artifact tells a story, sparking curiosity and igniting a love for history. Plan a trip with your friends and join these exciting activities; you're sure to have a wonderful and inspiring experience!
