OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION “HANOI THANH TÂN” – HERITAGE MEETS YOUNG CREATIVITY
On the morning of November 2, 2025, at Văn Lake – the Special National Relic Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, the exhibition “Hanoi Thanh Tân” officially opened, unveiling a youthful and inspiring art space in the heart of the heritage site.
Exhibition space “Hanoi Thanh Tân
The event was co-organised by the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, the “Tôi Vẽ” Club, and Nhau Studio. It is part of the Thăng Long Festival 2025 – *The Journey of Heritage Convergence*, attracting the attention of numerous artists, fine arts students, journalists, and art enthusiasts.
The opening ceremony took place in a warm and solemn atmosphere. Representatives of the co-organising units presented flowers of gratitude and cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition “Hanoi Thanh Tân officially.” After the ceremony, delegates and guests enjoyed viewing more than 90 paintings and participated in creative exchange activities within the Văn Lake courtyard.
The delegates perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu – Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám – shared: “We are always seeking ways to connect the young generation with the thousand-year cultural layers in an inspiring manner. Văn Miếu is not only a heritage site – it is the source of creative energy for Hanoi today.”
Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu – Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám – delivers the opening speech.
Artist Đinh Huy, representative of the “Tôi Vẽ” Club, shared: “We wish to create an approachable exhibition – where art does not stand on a pedestal, but blends into the very heartbeat of Hanoi.”
Artist Đinh Huy, Founder of the “Tôi Vẽ” Club, speaks at the opening ceremony.
Ms Nguyễn Thùy Anh, representative of Nhau Studio, also emphasised: “Every young person coming here can see Hanoi growing alongside their own emotions and creativity.”
Artist Nguyễn Thùy Anh, Founder of Nhau Studio, speaks at the opening ceremony.
Inspired by the spirit of “Thanh” – purity and clarity – and “Tân” – freshness and innovation – the exhibition showcases more than 90 paintings by both professional and amateur artists. Through these works, Hanoi appears both familiar and novel – a Hanoi of memories, of the present, and of ever-growing creative aspirations.
The artworks are divided into three thematic sections:
**Heritage & Architecture** – reflecting the ancient beauty of streets, temples, pagodas, Long Biên Bridge, and Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
**Contemporary Life** – capturing the dynamic and creative rhythm of today’s young generation.
**Open Creative Space** – where folk art is reborn through traditional materials such as bamboo, dó paper, coconut leaves, and wood.
The exhibition space, cosy and rich in artistic spirit, is elegantly arranged in the heart of Hồ Văn – Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, offering a sense of intimacy and harmony between the paintings, the light, and the vibrant colours of Hanoi.
An open art space – where everyone becomes an artist. “Hanoi Thanh Tân” is not just an art exhibition, but an artistic village nestled within the heritage site. The space is crafted from bamboo frames, ropes, and familiar folk symbols such as dragonflies, carp, and grasshoppers made from pandan leaves – all harmoniously combined with youthful paintings to create a setting that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Here, visitors can sketch, print paintings, create handmade artworks, talk with artists, or join creative workshops such as “Blending Ideas – Printing Colours,” “Painting the Landscape,” and “Leaves into Art.” Each activity offers a way to “touch art – live with heritage.”
The creative experience activities at the exhibition attracted a large number of visitors, especially young people, offering everyone the opportunity to create their own artworks and express their feelings for Hanoi through colours, shapes, and materials.
From November 2 to 9, 2025, the exhibition “Hanoi Thanh Tân” is open free to the public at Hồ Văn – Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, inviting visitors to experience a graceful and refreshing Hanoi, where heritage and youthful creativity blend in perfect harmony.
