Having made its mark at Dien Kien Trung Palace, Hue Citadel in March 2025, the exhibition "Heaven, Mountains, Water - Allusive Panorama" attracted more than 110,000 visitors.
Following that success, from April 24 to May 10, 2026, Art Nation in collaboration with the French Institute in Vietnam and the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center organized the second leg of the exhibition series at the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam relic (Hanoi).
With international display standards, the exhibition "Sky, Mountain, Water" introduces 20 paintings by King Ham Nghi.
The entire work has been repatriated, appraised, preserved and restored by leading experts and co-selected by fine arts researcher Ace Le and Dr. Amandine Dabat (5th generation descendant of King Ham Nghi, author of the book "Ham Nghi - Exiled Emperor, Artist in Alger").
''Despite being exiled and not having the opportunity to return to his homeland when he was alive, King Ham Nghi left behind a precious artistic legacy. Over time, those works once wandered in foreign lands, but today, part of his soul has truly returned'', Dr. Amandine Dabat said.
The exhibition "Sky, Mountain, Water" is part of a series of activities to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quoc Tu Giam (1076 - 2026), contributing to honoring the value of cultural heritage, while affirming the role of historical relics in becoming a contemporary creative space.
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam said: “The display of the former emperor's works at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam is an honor for the intellectual values that have always been emphasized in the nation's history. We believe that the exhibition will make the relic a rendezvous for the public during this year's holiday, continuing to nurture the cultural source”.
Taking place at the Thai Hoc House space, the exhibition is open daily from 8am to 5pm. The organizers said that to ensure the quality of viewing, each visit is limited to a maximum of 20 visitors, the time lasts from 10 - 15 minutes. This organization helps viewers have the opportunity to access works in a quiet space, rich in contemplation.
The event not only evokes a little-known slice in the life of King Ham Nghi - a talented artist in a foreign land, but also contributes to connecting today's public with the historical, artistic and cultural memories of the nation.
