On April 22, the Hue Ancient Citadel Relic Preservation Center opened the exhibition "Nguyen Dynasty's Nine Peaks: Documentary Heritage through Pictures and Archival Documents - A Digital Experience Approach to Heritage Education".
The exhibition suggests a noteworthy direction, taking heritage out of static space, into contemporary life using digital technology.
Cuu Dinh was originally a symbol of power, wisdom and vision of the Nguyen Dynasty, crystallizing historical, artistic and ideological values.
But in the digital age, that value, if only "framed" in the relic space, can hardly spread widely, especially to the younger generation, those who are used to accessing knowledge through screens rather than through artifacts.
Therefore, digitizing Cuu Dinh documents is not only a technical solution, but also a strategic choice for heritage preservation and education.
The point worth mentioning is that the exhibition has changed the way heritage stories are told.
Instead of one-way transmission, viewers are "role-played" in the journey of discovering, decoding patterns, interacting with data, experimenting with calligraphy or printing woodblock prints.
Technology here does not replace heritage, but plays the role of a "bridge", helping the public access more deeply the layers of meaning hidden behind each pattern, each Han Nom document or Nguyen Dynasty Chau Ban.
When viewers are directly manipulated and experienced, knowledge is no longer rigid but becomes a vivid memory.
From an educational perspective, this is a step in line with the digital transformation trend.
Reality shows that learning history and culture, if only based on books, easily creates a feeling of distance. But when heritage is digitized into open data, which can be projected, interacted with, and even integrated into online learning platforms, the classroom space will be expanded.
A student anywhere can "touch" Cuu Dinh, observe every detail of carving, and understand the worldview of their ancestors. That is the way to nurture love for heritage in a natural and sustainable way.
Furthermore, the construction of a digital database on Cuu Dinh also has long-term conservation significance.
At the same time, digital data also creates conditions for interdisciplinary research, connecting scholars and conservationists at home and abroad, contributing to affirming the position of Vietnamese heritage on the world cultural map.
However, technology only really works when it comes with accurate content and a deep approach.
Digitization is not "beautifying" heritage with special effects, but clarifying core values, conveying the true spirit of history.
This requires close coordination between researchers, management agencies and technology teams, to ensure scientificity, authenticity and correct orientation for the public.
