PRESS CONFERENCE INTRODUCES A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATING THE 950TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF QUỐC TỬ GIÁM (1076–2026)

On 2 November 2026, the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a press conference at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám to introduce a series of activities commemorating the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026). Scheduled to take place from 5 to 15 November 2026, the activities aim to honour the values of Vietnam’s scholarly tradition, promote the longstanding tradition of respect for learning, and inspire creativity and a spirit of dedication in the modern era.

Attending the press conference were Mr Phạm Xuân Tài, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Ms Phạm Thị Lan Anh, Head of the Department’s Cultural Heritage Division; Ms Trần Thị Mai Dung, Head of the Department’s Information, Press and Publishing Division; Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám; Mr Phạm Hoàng Giang, Artistic Director of the commemorative programme; and Mr Phạm Việt Tuân, Music Director. Also present were representatives of the co-organising organisations, central and Hanoi-based news agencies and media outlets, along with numerous journalists.

At the press conference, Mr Lê Xuân Kiêu introduced 11 activities, including cultural and artistic programmes, exhibitions, heritage experiences and academic conferences, to be held at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám and several other prominent cultural venues across the capital.

Highlights include the interactive passport experience “Hành trình Quốc học – Dấu ấn tri thức” (A Journey Through Vietnam’s Scholarly Tradition – Imprints of Knowledge); the “Gặp gỡ hiền tài” (Honouring Scholars of Talent and Virtue) photo experience; the exhibitions “Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long” (Quốc Tử Giám of Thăng Long), “Tổ nghề và nhà nho nước Việt” (Craft Founders and Confucian Scholars of Vietnam) and “Từ di sản đến ngoại giao văn hóa” (From Heritage to Cultural Diplomacy); the national academic conference “950 năm Quốc Tử Giám: Di sản đạo học, hiền tài và khát vọng phát triển đất nước” (950 Years of Quốc Tử Giám: The Legacy of Confucian Learning, Scholars of Talent and Virtue, and Aspirations for National Development); the programme “Ánh sao Khuê Minh Triết” (The Radiance of the Star of Wisdom); and other special artistic performances.

The highlight of the commemorative series will be the national-level ceremony “950 năm Quốc Tử Giám – Quốc học Việt Nam” (Commemorating 950 Years of Quốc Tử Giám – A Celebration of Vietnam’s Scholarly Tradition), scheduled for 7:30 PM on 14 November 2026 at the Thái Học Courtyard within the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Special National Monument.

With the theme “Tinh hoa đạo học” (The Essence of Confucian Learning), the programme will feature both a formal ceremony and cultural performances. It will combine the traditional khai văn ritual with performing arts, bringing together elements of traditional culture and contemporary artistic expression. Renowned artists including Trọng Tấn, Phạm Thu Hà, Võ Hạ Trâm, Đông Hùng, Ngô Lan Hương and the OPlus group are expected to perform.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr Phạm Xuân Tài, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised the importance of promoting heritage values and the longstanding cultural traditions of Thăng Long.

He stated: “Through this series of activities, Hanoi seeks to further affirm the position of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám within Thăng Long’s cultural and scholarly heritage, while strengthening the role of heritage in passing on traditional values, nurturing character and inspiring a spirit of learning and creativity across generations, particularly among young people. These efforts will also help promote the image of Hanoi as a capital with a thousand-year cultural heritage, a distinctive identity, a dynamic outlook and a commitment to international integration.”

Responding to questions from journalists, the programme’s Artistic Director, Mr Phạm Hoàng Giang, explained: “The programme will bring together various forms of singing, dance and music, mashup performances and archival imagery, combined with modern performance technologies such as 3D mapping, laser lighting, augmented reality (AR), LED mesh screens and artistic fireworks. Technology will be used to enhance the programme’s appeal, but its primary role is to connect the different segments, with the ultimate aim of conveying the spirit of Confucian learning in a way that resonates with the public.”

Guided by the spirit of “Honouring the Essence of Confucian Learning and Carrying Forward Vietnam’s Legacy of Scholars of Talent and Virtue”, the commemorative series is expected to leave a lasting impression, reaffirming the place of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám in the cultural life of the capital and continuing to promote the enduring values of Vietnam’s traditional culture.

TL: LH