Honoring culture in the heart of the ancient town

Việt Văn |

In the joyful atmosphere of celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South, national reunification (April 30) and towards the 136th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19), the heart of the Capital - Hoan Kiem Lake area and Hanoi Old Quarter becomes busier than ever. The series of cultural and artistic activities lasting from April to the end of June 2026 is not only a bridge connecting the past with the present but also an inspiring creative space for people and tourists.

With the theme "Touching the Old Quarter Craft 2026", with the focus being the traditional lacquer craft with many exhibitions and seminars at the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center (Dao Duy Tu), Ha Vi Pagoda (Hang Hom)... showing a new vitality of the legendary lacquer material. In particular, the combination of lacquer and fine art horns in fashion at Kim Ngan Pagoda (Hang Bac) has proven that the heritage is not old-fashioned, but always transforms strongly in the flow of cultural industry.

The nostalgic imprint becomes even more pronounced and emotional when visitors step into the "Hanoi Memories" space at 22 Hang Buom. Here, old Peugeot bicycles, shiny with elegant lines, are not only a means of transportation but also witnesses of a period of elegance and charm of Trang An people. We seem to hear the sound of bicycle bells cheering in the ancient streets, evoking images of graceful ao dai or worn-shoulder hats of a difficult but proud time. Besides, classic Singer sewing machines, patient and persistent, tell the story of the ingenuity, cherishment and diligent hands of Hanoi women, weaving warm houses from simple fabrics.

And it is impossible not to mention the enchanting attraction of the space "From Do to Out" at 40 Lan Ong. The thin, lightly porous do paper but containing a lingering vitality over centuries, is not only a material for colorful Dong Ho paintings, contemplative Buddhist scriptures, but also contains a laborious labor process, patience and deep love for the craft of artisans in the village. ...

It is these seemingly simple artifacts that have a strong impact, awakening deep pride in the national cultural identity and inspiring endless creative inspiration for today's generation. At Dong Lac, Tu Thi, Yen Thai communal houses, traditional handicrafts are displayed solemnly, creating a journey of experience "touching" the depth of culture. ...

Through honoring traditional values and encouraging creativity, the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board with the help of artisans, artists, researchers... has sparked love for heritage in the community, while affirming Hanoi's position as a creative city, where heritage is always the driving force for sustainable development.

Hoài niệm đẹp về một thời. Ảnh: Việt Văn
Beautiful memories of a time. Photo: Viet Van
Buổi khai mạc “Chạm nghề phố cổ 2026“, tại Trung tâm Giao lưu Văn hóa Phố cổ (Đào Duy Từ). Ảnh: Việt Văn
Opening ceremony of "Touching the Old Quarter 2026", at the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center (Dao Duy Tu). Photo: Viet Van
Không gian trưng bày nghề thêu truyền thống Việt Nam. Khung sợi chỉ màu dùng để chuẩn bị cho công đoạn thêu tay tinh xảo trên lụa hoặc vải. Ảnh: Việt Văn
Display space of traditional Vietnamese embroidery. Colored thread frame used to prepare for the stage of exquisite hand embroidery on silk or fabric. Photo: Viet Van
Họa sĩ sơn mài Nguyễn Văn Bản với trên 50 năm làm nghề đang trò chuyện với một người yêu sơn mài. Trong nghệ thuật sơn mài và thủ công mỹ nghệ Việt Nam, việc kết hợp giữa sơn mài và mây tre đan là một kỹ thuật truyền thống. Ảnh: Việt Văn
Lacquer painter Nguyen Van Ban with over 50 years of experience is talking to a lacquer lover. In the art of lacquer and Vietnamese handicrafts, the combination of lacquer and bamboo and rattan weaving is a traditional technique. Photo: Viet Van
Vẻ đẹp của chiếc máy khâu Singer cổ điển. Ảnh: Việt Văn
The beauty of a classic Singer sewing machine. Photo: Viet Van
Vẻ đẹp của các loại giấy Dó trưng bày ở số 40 Lãn Ông (Hà Nội).  Ảnh: Việt Văn
The beauty of Do paper types on display at 40 Lan Ong (Hanoi). Photo: Viet Van
Chiếc xe đạp thiếu nhi này sẽ gợi nhớ đến “Cây ăn xe đạp” (Bicycle Tree) ở Hoa Kỳ (Mỹ), một hiện tượng lạ của thiên nhiên năm 1995. Ảnh: Việt Văn
This children's bicycle will evoke the "Bicycle Tree" in the United States (USA), a strange phenomenon of nature in 1995. Photo: Viet Van
Việt Văn
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