Exhibition "Sĩ Tử 3 - Chuyện Sĩ Tử" - 950 learning stories in the heritage space of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám

EXHIBITION "SĨ TỬ 3 - CHUYỆN SĨ TỬ" — 950 LEARNING STORIES IN THE HERITAGE SPACE OF VĂN MIẾU - QUỐC TỬ GIÁM

In the lead-up to the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám — Vietnam's first national university (1076–2026), on the afternoon of May 27, 2026, the opening ceremony of the art exhibition "SĨ TỬ 3 - CHUYỆN SĨ TỬ" took place at the Special National Heritage Site of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám. The exhibition was organized by Nhau Studio, in collaboration with the Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities and the International Watercolor Society in Vietnam - Northern Branch (IWS North Vietnam).

Attending the opening ceremony were researchers, artists, painters, representatives of the organizing and co-organizing units, and a large audience of art and heritage enthusiasts.

Continuing the journey of the "SĨ TỬ" exhibition series, the third season offers multi-dimensional perspectives on "the story of the scholar" in contemporary society. Beyond evoking the image of scholars entering the examination halls of the past, the exhibition broadens the concept of "sĩ tử" as a symbol of the spirit of learning, perseverance, and the aspiration for self-improvement in today's life.

The exhibition features more than 40 works by 22 artists, created in a variety of materials and creative styles. Through the language of painting, the works recreate the images of teachers, scholars, old classrooms, examination seasons, and school memories shared across many generations of Vietnamese people.

Sharing the concept behind the exhibition, Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Linh — co-founder of Nhau Studio — said: "In Sĩ Tử, 'learning' is not just a story of youth or years spent in school. It is also a lifelong journey — learning from experience, stumbling, labor, loss, and even from starting over. Through those 950 stories, Sĩ Tử hopes to create a flow of connection across generations: those who came before inspire those who follow, and those who follow continue to support those who come after them. So that the spirit of learning and the wellspring of talent of our nation may always be carried forward, unceasing."

Many works draw inspiration from familiar stories in the nation's tradition of reverence for learning, such as the image of teacher Chu Văn An, scholars diligently studying by lamplight, and legends of talented figures from the past. The space of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, along with the purple hue of the bằng lăng flowers in summer, also became a deeply evocative source of inspiration for the participating artists.

On behalf of the Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, Mr. Lê Xuân Kiêu shared: "This year, the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities is delighted to welcome back Sĩ Tử Season 3 - Chuyện Sĩ Tử. We hope the event will continue to powerfully spread the spirit of learning throughout society. At the same time, through the display of 950 learning stories in honor of the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám will become ever more familiar and accessible — a must-visit destination for all who love Hà Nội."

A special highlight of the exhibition is the experiential space "Vườn Trạng Nguyên" — featuring 950 learning stories submitted by individuals of various ages, professions, and regions from across Vietnam. Through these simple yet authentic stories, the exhibition aims to spread the spirit of learning, acknowledge every journey of effort, and inspire the community to keep learning.

"Vườn Trạng Nguyên" is conceived as an installation space rich in Vietnamese cultural materials, incorporating traditional handicraft elements such as giấy dó, nón lá, bamboo-and-rattan lanterns, and fish traps (cái đó). These rustic materials are combined with contemporary installation art to create a space that is both intimate and richly symbolic — where each visitor can find their own story, empathy, and personal resonance.

On behalf of the co-organizing unit, Ms. Nguyễn Thùy Anh — Representative of the International Watercolor Society in Vietnam - Northern Branch (IWS North Vietnam) — shared: "Sĩ Tử 3 is not only an art exhibition but also a project of profound cultural and educational value, where every effort is acknowledged and heard. The exhibition demonstrates a seriousness of creative thinking, the ability to tell stories through the language of painting, and a spirit of connecting art with the community."

The exhibition "SĨ TỬ 3 - CHUYỆN SĨ TỬ" not only offers an emotionally rich artistic space but also contributes to spreading the spirit of learning and connecting traditional values with a contemporary sensibility. Through stories that are simple yet deeply sincere, the exhibition awakens appreciation for the journey of learning and the tireless efforts of each individual in today's life.

Exhibition period: May 27, 2026 to June 30, 2026

Venue: Khu Thái Học, Special National Heritage Site of Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, 58 Quốc Tử Giám, Hà Nội