“950 YEARS OF QUỐC TỬ GIÁM THĂNG LONG (1076–2026)” EXHIBITION AT THE VIETNAM NATIONAL VILLAGE FOR ETHNIC CULTURE AND TOURISM

On 11 October 2026, the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, organised a thematic exhibition entitled “950 Years of Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long (1076–2026)” at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.

The exhibition formed part of a series of events leading up to the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), Vietnamese Teachers’ Day (20 November) and Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (23 November). It aimed to introduce, promote and celebrate the outstanding cultural heritage values of the Special National Monument of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám.

The exhibition presented three main themes: “The Origins of the Tradition of Learning”, “Quốc Tử Giám – Vietnam’s First National School” and “The Journey of Preserving and Promoting the Heritage Values of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám”. Through historical documents, photographs and artefacts, these themes highlighted significant milestones in the establishment and development of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, while also showcasing the contributions of distinguished historical figures to Vietnam’s education and imperial examination system.

Established in 1076 during the reign of Emperor Lý Nhân Tông, Quốc Tử Giám was Vietnam’s first national school, serving as a centre for educating and nurturing talented individuals for the country over many centuries. Closely associated with the development of Vietnam’s traditional education and imperial examination system, Quốc Tử Giám brought together renowned scholars and educators of great learning and moral integrity, including Chu Văn An, Thân Nhân Trung and Phùng Khắc Khoan, alongside many other distinguished figures and intellectuals who contributed to the nation’s history. Over the past 950 years, the traditions of respect for learning and teachers, together with the recognition and promotion of talent, have been preserved and passed down through generations.

Beyond presenting the historical, cultural and educational significance of the site, the exhibition also offered insights into the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the heritage values of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám in contemporary life. Once a centre of education and imperial examinations, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám continues to serve as a cultural, educational and creative space in Hanoi today, connecting heritage values with the public.

As part of the exhibition, interactive activities were also organised to bring visitors closer to the stories of Quốc Tử Giám and the traditions of learning and examinations in the past, enriching their experience of exploring cultural heritage.

The exhibition “950 Years of Quốc Tử Giám Thăng Long (1076–2026)” provided not only an opportunity to reflect on the history of Vietnam’s first national school but also a chance to reaffirm the enduring vitality of the country’s tradition of learning in contemporary society.

Held at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, the exhibition brought the distinctive heritage values of Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám into a space dedicated to celebrating cultural identities and fostering exchanges among Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

In doing so, it helped connect the educational heritage of Thăng Long – Hanoi with the rich cultural diversity and unity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The exhibition also promoted the traditions of respect for learning and teachers and the recognition of talent, while inspiring national pride and a sense of responsibility for safeguarding, preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural heritage

TL: LH