Art showcase at Văn Miếu - National Fine Arts University officially begins
The Temple of Literature, or Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, in Hanoi, Vietnam, played host to the grand opening of the international fine arts exhibition "Friendship - Amistad - Pagkakaibigan 2025" on September 5. This prestigious event, a joint venture between the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Centre and artists from Vietnam, Spain, and the Philippines, promises to be a vibrant cultural exchange.
As the first national university of Vietnam, Quoc Tu Giam was established during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and educated thousands of talented men from 1076 to 1779. Today, it stands as one of the most important Confucian symbols in Vietnam and a popular relic and tourist destination.
Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the centre, expressed hope that the display will serve as both an artistic rendezvous and a cultural dialogue space. The exhibition aims to spread inspiration for creativity and strengthen friendships, with the themes of the works centring around heritage, people, and nature.
The exhibition features 49 works by 24 artists, showcasing a variety of styles and approaches. The interactive painting programme, a part of the exhibition, will offer direct guidance from participating painters, providing the public with a unique opportunity to engage in creative practices related to national cultural heritage.
Chu Van An, one of Vietnam's most respected scholars, would be proud to see the temple, originally dedicated to Confucius, playing host to such a diverse and inclusive event. The curatorial concept of the exhibition is presented in three languages: websiteese, Spanish, and Tagalog, highlighting the role of art as a cultural bridge fostering empathy and connections between cultures and communities.
The exhibition contributes to promoting Hanoi's international exchange and image as a UNESCO Creative City. As visitors wander through the hallowed halls of Quoc Tu Giam, they will be reminded of the enduring power of art to bring people together, transcending borders and languages. The exhibition is a testament to the power of friendship and the shared human experience, a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
