Phu Xuan - Gia Dinh: Imprints of history

Delegates visiting the exhibition space. Photo: MoH

The exhibition features more than 300 images, documents, and artifacts, presented through two main themes: “From Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan to Hue Ancient Capital: A Convergence and Crystallization of National Cultural Heritage” and “From Old Southern Vietnam (17th - 19th Century) to Present Saigon.”

The event provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical development of Phu Xuan - Hue as a political, economic, and social center (starting from 1558), the founding history of Gia Dinh - Saigon, and the territorial expansion of our forefathers to the south (beginning in 1698).

The exhibition also highlights the economic and cultural achievements as well as the challenges of establishing Vietnam’s sovereignty through various feudal dynasties. Additionally, it showcases the rich cultural imprints in daily life and customs, reflecting the blend of courtly and folk traditions that shaped the distinctive regional culture of Southern Vietnam.

A notable feature of the exhibition is the unveiling of the Phong Son Artifact Collection, dated from the late 19th to early 20th century, by Thua Thien Hue Museum of History to the enthusiastic guests. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City Museum also presents many valuable artifacts, such as the An Luong Tai Tu Seal, Kham Su Dai Than Quan Phong Seal, An Lap Chau Seal, and the Xa Cau District Chief Seal, … ranging from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Artifacts displayed by Thua Thien Hue Museum of History. Photo: MoH

The exhibition also includes an interactive space where visitors can experience unique traditional craft-making processes of Hue, such as creating Thanh Tien paper flowers and painting traditional figurines of Ong Cong and Ong Tao.… These activities aim to introduce and enrich the cultural values of Hue's traditional crafts, honor the silent contributions of artisans with their traditional craftsmanship.

The exhibition is open until February 23, 2025.