Bringing Crafts to the Streets experience program officially launched at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám

On the morning of June 20, 2026, the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, in collaboration with Xưởng Gỗ Bùi Gia, officially launched the experiential program "Bringing Crafts to the Streets" — an immersive journey into traditional handicraft wood carving — at the Special National Heritage Site of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.

The program is an experiential activity designed to combine heritage education, the preservation of traditional crafts, and interactive creativity for visitors. Through visual and hands-on activities, the program helps bring traditional cultural values closer to the public — especially the younger generation and international visitors.

By participating in the program, visitors will learn about the history of Vietnamese wood carving, a craft with a rich tradition deeply intertwined with the nation's architecture and cultural life. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the meaning of the decorative motifs found on the 82 Doctoral Steles at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám — including lotus flowers, apricot blossoms, clouds, bodhi leaves, dragons, and phoenixes — as well as the many distinctive decorative patterns adorning the heritage site's ancient architectural structures.

A special highlight of the program is a live demonstration of traditional wood carving performed by artisans from Xưởng Gỗ Bùi Gia. Through each meticulous chisel stroke, visitors have the opportunity to directly observe traditional craftsmanship techniques and appreciate the dexterity, perseverance, and dedication of those who are keeping this traditional craft alive.

Going beyond mere observation, visitors are also invited to transform themselves into "carving artisans." Under the guidance of skilled craftspeople, participants will use basic hand tools to practice carving on wooden boards, creating motifs imbued with the values of reverence for learning, respect for teachers, and the aspiration to pursue knowledge.

The finished product is not only a personally crafted souvenir but also the tangible result of a journey of experience, creativity, and connection with traditional cultural values. In this way, the "Bringing Crafts to the Streets" program contributes to creating vibrant heritage experiences, enhancing the interactive relationship between the public and the heritage site, and spreading the beauty of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary life.

With the message of bringing traditional crafts from the village workshop closer to the community and to visitors, the Organizing Committee hopes that each product created will serve as a cultural bridge — helping the public to better understand, appreciate, and collectively contribute to the preservation of the nation's traditional craft heritage.

Program details:

• Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM, every Saturday and Sunday, from June 20 to August 20, 2026
• Venue: Experience Area, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Hà Nội
• Organizers: Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities and Xưởng Gỗ Bùi Gia