OPENING OF THE “NÉT KINH KỲ” EXHIBITION

As part of the 2nd Thăng Long – Hà Nội Festival 2026, on the morning of September 12, 2026, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám opened the "Nét Kinh Kỳ" exhibition in the rear garden of the Thái Học area at the Special National Monument of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ms Bùi Thị Hương Thủy, Head of the Division of Arts and Cultural Industries, Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Lê Duy An, Deputy Head of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Ward Police; members of the Board of Directors of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities; as well as artisans, artists, representatives of the press and media, and members of the public.

Inspired by the streets, traditional craft quarters, and everyday life of old Thăng Long – Hà Nội, "Nét Kinh Kỳ" takes visitors back to the traditional urban landscape through the story of Hà Nội's 36 streets and guilds. Through images and historical materials depicting tiled roofs, windows, street corners, shop signs, trading activities, and scenes of daily life, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the character of Hà Nội in times past. Each detail reveals a story about the history, names, and formation of the city's streets, offering a clearer picture of a Hà Nội shaped by its trading and craft streets and by urban memories passed down through generations.

A highlight of "Nét Kinh Kỳ" is its hands-on traditional craft activities, featuring artisans representing well-known craft villages and traditions, including Bát Tràng ceramics, Bồ Bát ceramics, embroidery and lacework, Kim Sơn sedge weaving, Phong Khê dó paper, and Vietnam Silk House. Through craft products and hands-on activities, visitors can learn about traditional materials and techniques, appreciate craftspeople's skills, and discover knowledge and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, said:

"Heritage conservation is not simply about preserving what belongs to the past. More importantly, it is about enabling heritage to remain present in contemporary life—to be experienced, appreciated, and to continue inspiring creativity today. This is also the spirit that Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám seeks to convey through 'Nét Kinh Kỳ'."

By combining visual displays, historical materials, and hands-on craft activities, the program helps bring the cultural values of Thăng Long – Hà Nội closer to the public, particularly younger generations. At the same time, "Nét Kinh Kỳ" connects memories of Hà Nội's historic 36 streets and traditional craft quarters with the traditional crafts still preserved and practised today.

Holding the program at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám also creates a meeting point for different layers of Thăng Long – Hà Nội's heritage. From the story of the 36 streets and traditional craft quarters to the crafts still preserved today, the program demonstrates that heritage does not belong solely to the past: it remains part of contemporary life, passed down from generation to generation and continuing to inspire the present.

Through initiatives such as this, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám continues to strengthen its role as a cultural and creative space in the capital, where traditional values are presented to and connected with the public through relevant and engaging forms of interpretation

LH