OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION "STONE STELE TELLING STORIES 2"
Following the success of the 2022 “Stone Stele Telling Stories” exhibition, on the morning of January 16, 2025, at the Doctor Stone Steles Garden, the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám held the grand opening ceremony for the special exhibition "Stone Stele Telling Stories 2." This is a meaningful activity to celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake), the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 - February 3, 2025), and the upcoming 950th anniversary of the first Confucian examination (1075 - 2025).
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Vu Thi Minh Huong - Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Vice President of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Memory of the World Committee; Dr. Phan Dang Long - Vice President of the Hanoi Historical Association; Dr. Nguyen Van Tu - Deputy Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám; Mr. Truong Quoc Toan - Assistant General Director of PRX Vietnam, exhibition design expert; along with many other heritage enthusiasts.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, Deputy Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, shared: "The value of the 82 Doctor Stone Steles at Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám is not only found in the content of the inscriptions written in classical Chinese and the decorative patterns on the stele, but also in the thousands of fascinating stories about the 1,307 successful candidates who earned the title of Doctor over 82 examinations spanning more than 300 years, told vividly and engagingly. Through this exhibition, we hope to provide the public with a more comprehensive and authentic understanding of the Doctor Stone Steles and the history of the civil examination system in Vietnam."
Mr. Truong Quoc Toan, an exhibition design expert, expressed: "We hope that visitors to the Doctor Stone Steles Garden will stay longer to explore the meaning and value of each inscription. This not only helps promote and preserve the World Documentary Heritage but also aids the preservation of the special national relic Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, in its mission to develop Hanoi's cultural industry products."
The exhibition is held in the Doctor Stone Steles Garden to create a high visual and psychological impact by placing the displays close to the steles. Visitors will have a deeper appreciation of the existing content and will uncover the hidden stories within these stone inscriptions.
"Stone Stele Telling Stories 2" is structured around four main themes: Recruiting Talented Individuals: Introducing key aspects of Vietnam's Confucian examination education system; The Path to the Civil Exam: Providing information about the examination process and the treatment of successful candidates; The Bright Examples of Ancestors: Featuring outstanding individuals who contributed to Vietnam's education and other fields; Artistic Talent: Highlighting the craftsmanship and rich worldviews of the artisans who created the Doctor Stone Steles.
In addition, the opening ceremony featured activities such as calligraphy, making miniature tents, and coloring and embossing the decorative patterns found on the edges and upper parts of the Doctor Stone Steles.
The exhibition aims to promote the heritage value of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, enriching the visitors' experience when they visit this cultural site during the Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) - 2025.
Here are some photos from the opening ceremony!
Panoramic view of the opening ceremony
Delegates attending the opening ceremony
Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, Deputy Director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, speaking at the ceremony
Mr. Truong Quoc Toan, an exhibition design expert, speaking at the ceremony
Delegates and visitors listening to the explanation of the exhibition
Delegates and visitors exploring the exhibition
Delegates and visitors exploring the exhibition
Calligraphy activity at the exhibition
Visitors participating in making miniature tents at the Doctor Stone Steles Garden
Visitors engage in the coloring and embossing activity for the steles
Translator: NL
