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| A barrier will be placed at the The To Mieu relic site (Hue Imperial Citadel), allowing visitors to visit only from the outside |
On August 26, a representative of Hue Monuments Conservation Center stated that they are implementing numerous solutions to enhance the protection of the system of relics, artifacts, and national treasures under their management.
Accordingly, the protection and preservation of artifacts are carried out according to scientific standards, with a modern security surveillance system. “However, there are an increasing number of factors and risks that can damage the relics, not only from weather, fire, and natural degradation; but also from human actions, whether intentional or unintentional,” said Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.
To ensure safety, in the coming time, many key areas will have additional hard barriers, soft barriers, or tempered glass to limit contact. Those areas include the pavilion of the Nine Holy Cannons; the display areas for bells, drums, and bronze cauldrons; the main doors of the Ngu Phung tower (the Noon Gate); and some architectural works at the tombs of Emperors, namely Gia Long, Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Dong Khanh, etc.; all of which are subject to this adjustment.
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| Tempered glass barrier at the Thai Hoa Palace relic site |
The most notable adjustment is the one at the The To Mieu. Following the Official Dispatch No. 7144/UBND-CN from Hue City People's Committee on the policy to approve the plan for preserving and protecting artifacts and architectural works at relic sites within the Complex of Hue Monuments, from September 9, visitors will no longer be allowed going inside the The To Mieu relic, to ensure the solemnity of this special relic area.
To accommodate visitors, Hue Monuments Conservation Center is implementing several solutions. Specifically, the main doors of The To Mieu will be opened so that visitors can observe from the outside. An incense table will also be set up in front of The To Mieu for visitors to offer incense. Additionally, images and documents about the The To Mieu will be displayed at the Hien Lam Cac to help the public learn about the historical, architectural, and spiritual values of the structure.
At Minh Thanh Palace (Emperor Gia Long's mausoleum), access to the interior will also be more restricted, allowing only groups of up to 10 people at a time, with a requirement for polite attire. In cases where visitors are not dressed appropriately, the Center will provide the ao dai for them to wear.
At the same time, the Center is also coordinating with local authorities and religious organizations like Thien Mu Pagoda to establish regulations for protecting artifacts, national treasures, and maintaining security and order in the areas where the relics are located.
Previously, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center had also installed a tempered glass barrier, 1.5m high and over 21m long, on each side at Thai Hoa Palace. More than 10 surveillance cameras and an automatic warning system have also been put into operation to protect the displayed throne, treasures, and artifacts. Visitors’ movement at Thai Hoa Palace has also been rerouted; instead of walking directly toward the main hall, visitors will now use two parallel paths on the East and West wings to go to the back hall. This is the same arrangement that was used before the restoration of Thai Hoa Palace.
Besides Thai Hoa Palace, many other buildings, such as An Dinh Palace and Dien Tho Palace, have also been equipped with similar warning systems.
According to the Center's leader, the change in the method to welcome visitors is not intended to limit the experience, but to balance conservation with promotion of heritage values.