OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION “QUỐC TỬ GIÁM THĂNG LONG AND NGHỆ AN PROVINCE’S TRADITION OF LEARNING”

On October 6, 2026, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, in collaboration with the Nghệ An – Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Museum, held the opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition “Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long and Nghệ An Province’s Tradition of Learning”.

Organised to mark the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), the exhibition brings together two places deeply rooted in Viet Nam’s scholarly tradition: Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long, a symbol of devotion to learning, respect for teachers and education, and the recognition of talent; and Nghệ An, a region renowned for its distinguished tradition of scholarship, where the pursuit of learning has been preserved and passed down through generations.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr Trần Quốc Khánh, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Education Commission of the Nghệ An Provincial Party Committee; Mr Bùi Công Vinh, Deputy Director of the Nghệ An Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Dương Thanh Bình, Vice Rector of the Nghệ An Provincial School of Politics; Ms Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thủy, Deputy Head of the Secondary Education Division of the Nghệ An Department of Education and Training; Dr Nguyễn Văn Tú, Deputy Director of the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám; as well as teachers, students and residents.

Nghệ An is renowned for its long-standing scholarly tradition and its extensive network of public schools, from the provincial level to prefectures and districts. Private schools established by distinguished scholars also played an important role in educating generations of students. These included Nam Sơn School, founded by Thám hoa Nguyễn Đức Đạt, Tú Viên School in Thanh Chương, and the school of Cử nhân Kiều in Nam Đàn. The Nghệ An regional examination centre also saw numerous distinguished scholars who went on to succeed in the imperial examinations. Among the 82 Doctoral Stelae at Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, 44 doctoral laureates hailed from Nghệ An. The province also produced four scholars who served as Tế tửu (Rectors) and Tư nghiệp (Deputy Rectors) of Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long.

Through documentary materials, photographs, reconstructed artefacts and various interpretive formats, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the formation and development of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám and the teaching and learning traditions of the national academy. It also offers insights into Nghệ An’s educational and scholarly heritage through its schools and examination centres, Confucian educational sites, scholarly families and lineages, as well as notable teachers and historical figures.

The exhibition also highlights Phó bảng Nguyễn Sinh Sắc and President Hồ Chí Minh’s contributions to education in Viet Nam, linking educational history to the cultivation of people and talent in the modern era.

In addition, the exhibition offers hands-on activities for students and visitors, bringing to life stories of schools, teachers, aspiring scholars, and the imperial examination system that might otherwise seem distant to contemporary audiences.

From Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long to the scholarly land of Nghệ An, the enduring values of knowledge, respect for teachers and the pursuit of learning have continued to be passed down through generations. The exhibition not only offers an opportunity to reflect on this precious tradition, but also raises public awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, while strengthening the cultural connection between Hà Nội and Nghệ An.

LH