Activities

OPENING OF THE THEMATIC EXHIBITION “FROM THĂNG LONG TO PHÚ XUÂN – THE JOURNEY OF VIETNAMESE CERAMICS”

On the morning of 18 December 2025, at the Thái Học area of the Special National Monument Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, in collaboration with the Huế City Museum of History, solemnly held the opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition “From Thăng Long to Phú Xuân – The Journey of Vietnamese Ceramics.”

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr Nguyễn Thiên Bình, Deputy Director of the Huế Department of Culture and Sports; Ms Nguyễn Thị Minh Hạnh, Head of the Department of Organisation and Legal Affairs, Department of Culture and Sports; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đỗ Văn Trụ, Chairman of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association; Dr. Nguyễn Viết Chức, former Deputy Head of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education and former Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Information; Dr. Phan Đăng Long, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Historical Society; Dr. Nguyễn Thị Dơn, Vice Chairwoman of the Thăng Long – Hanoi Cultural Heritage Association; Mr. Đặng Sơn Hải, Head of the Relic Management Board and Ceremonial Committee of Giang Cao Communal House, Bát Tràng Commune, Hanoi, together with artisans and residents of Bát Tràng; Mr. Nguyễn Đức Lộc, Director of the Huế City Museum of History; and representatives of the leadership of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities.

The event is a culturally significant activity within the series commemorating the 65th anniversary of the twinning relationship between Hanoi and Huế (1960–2025). It contributes to honouring the outstanding historical and traditional cultural values of the two former imperial capitals—lands that have crystallised the essence of Vietnamese culture over many centuries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu shared:“Through this exhibition, we aim to honour the values of traditional ceramic craftsmanship while highlighting the cultural connections between the North and the Central regions, thereby spreading the spirit of the Hanoi–Huế twinning relationship in the contemporary context. This is also an opportunity for the public to gain a deeper understanding of the role of craft heritage in today’s life, fostering greater awareness of the preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage.”

The exhibition space is conceived as a cultural journey, where two traditional ceramic traditions meet and engage in dialogue: Bát Tràng ceramics of Thăng Long – Hanoi and Phước Tích ceramics of Phú Xuân – Huế. Each ceramic tradition tells a story of land and people shaped through time.

The exhibition content focuses on introducing the public to two ceramic traditions:

Bát Tràng Ceramics – A Millennium Heritage of Thăng Long – Hanoi

This section presents an overview of the formation and development of Bát Tràng pottery village through various dynasties, highlighting distinctive features such as clay formulas, shaping techniques, and firing methods. These elements together have forged the enduring reputation and identity of Bát Tràng ceramics.

Phước Tích Ceramics – The Essence Born from the Land of Phú Xuân – Huế

The display of Phước Tích ceramics follows the historical flow of the Thuận Hóa – Phú Xuân region. It introduces the system of architectural heritage of the ancient village of Phước Tích, the traditional handcrafted ceramic-making process, and the historical, cultural, and economic values that this ceramic tradition once brought to the former imperial capital.

Delivering the opening remarks, Mr Nguyễn Đức Lộc, Director of the Huế City Museum of History, stated:“Through this activity, we—those working in the field of culture—wish to convey a message on the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage values of Thăng Long (Hanoi) and Phú Xuân (Huế), while honouring the quiet yet significant contributions of the artisans of Bát Tràng (Hanoi) and Phước Tích (Huế) in safeguarding and sustaining the traditional values of their craft villages. In doing so, we also contribute to educating younger generations about preserving the cultural beauty handed down by our ancestors for today and the future.”

This thematic exhibition not only offers domestic and international visitors an opportunity to appreciate ceramic works from two renowned craft villages and gain deeper insights into the long-standing cultural values of Vietnamese communities, but also serves as an occasion to affirm the spirit of solidarity and love for the homeland. Above all, it highlights the close historical bond between Hanoi and Huế—two cities that beat in unison with a shared passion for the nation. Through this exhibition, traditional cultural values of the Vietnamese people continue to be upheld and promoted, contributing to the country’s entry into a new era of development—the era of national aspiration and growth.

Distinguished Delegates at the Opening Ceremony

Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám , speaks at the opening ceremony.

Mr. Nguyễn Đức Lộc, Director of the Huế City Museum of History, delivers the opening address at the exhibition opening ceremony.

Mr. Nguyễn Thiên Bình, Deputy Director of the Huế Department of Culture and Sports, ceremonially presents a commemorative gift to the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities.Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám