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| Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center |
On the occasion of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day, will there be some exciting news for Hue’s heritage, sir?
Indeed, while the day is an opportunity to reflect on and honor the value of our national cultural heritage, this year’s celebration is especially remarkable due to three major events occurring simultaneously. First, the Provincial People's Committee will hold a ceremony to receive UNESCO’s recognition of the documentary heritage “The Embossed Inscriptions on the Nine Dynastic Urns of Hue Imperial Citadel” (Cuu Dinh); the announcement of the completion of the “Comprehensive Conservation and Restoration of Thai Hoa Palace” project and its reopening to visitors; and the groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of Can Chanh Palace. Additionally, Master Artisan Kim Hyun Kon from Korea will present a set of bianqing chimes, and People's Artisan Tran Do will gift Long Ma ceramic works to the heritage site.
These are truly joyful developments for heritage enthusiasts. After over 60 years of research, Can Chanh Palace will finally undergo restoration. Thai Hoa Palace has been successfully restored after nearly three years of extensive work and is reopening to visitors. Most notably, after years of anticipation, UNESCO has officially recognized Cuu Dinh as a unique documentary heritage of Hue and Vietnam.
What steps have been taken to preserve and promote the unique documentary heritage of the Nine Dynastic Urns?
Hue is the custodian and co-custodian of eight UNESCO-recognized tangible, intangible, and documentary heritage sites. This substantial legacy is a critical resource and a "launchpad" for Hue on its journey to become a centrally governed city, enhancing its reputation as “a destination of eight heritage sites.”
The recognition of the Nine Dynastic Urns by UNESCO is a source of pride for Vietnam and Hue, particularly for us as custodians of this heritage. It affirms that Hue is rich in historical and cultural values, which will gradually be uncovered, studied further, and recognized regionally and globally.
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| Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: Bao Minh |
We have conducted communication and promotional activities, organized exhibitions, produced videos, and published books on the Nine Dynastic Urns, even digitizing them for public and scholarly access. These efforts aim to spread awareness of their historical and cultural significance to both domestic and international audiences.
Simultaneously, we are exploring cultural products related to the Nine Dynastic Urns, including digital imagery and gift or souvenir versions, to “transform heritage into assets” for preservation and development.
It can be seen that the face of Hue's heritage is constantly evolving, gradually reviving its historical appearance and growing with increasingly vibrant vitality. In this context, what value will the completion of the restoration of Thai Hoa Palace bring to Hue's heritage, sir?
Since being recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam’s first tangible World Cultural Heritage site, the Complex of Hue Monuments has undergone two comprehensive plans (1996–2010 and 2010–2020). Thanks to the government’s support, collaboration with experts, and international assistance, significant achievements have been made in conservation. Since 1996, nearly 200 monuments have been preserved, restored, or reconstructed, including major works like Kien Trung Palace, Ngo Mon, Hien Lam Pavilion, the The Mieu complex, and the mausoleums of emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, and Dong Khanh. Intangible cultural heritage has also been systematically preserved and effectively promoted.
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| The majestic and magnificent Kien Trung Palace after reconstruction |
Thai Hoa Palace, one of the three most important structures in Hue Imperial Citadel, is particularly fortunate to have survived more than 200 years, albeit in a deteriorated state. Its restoration not only preserves architectural and poetic elements but also elevates the value of the Imperial City in the eyes of visitors, turning it into a major tourist attraction.
With the completion of the restoration of Thai Hoa Palace, we hope to enhance the value of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the eyes of the public and visitors. Upon reopening, it is certain to become a major tourist attraction, significantly elevating the status and appeal of the entire Complex of Hue Monuments.
Following the restoration of Kien Trung Palace, will the project to restore Can Chanh Palace become one of the prime examples of meticulous research and analysis?
Can Chanh Palace was a significant architectural marvel and one of the largest structures in the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Citadel. After 143 years of existence, spanning the reigns of 13 Nguyen emperors, it was completely destroyed by fire in 1947. Associated structures like Dai Cung Mon and other connecting corridors, Van Minh Palace, Vo Hien Palace, Can Thanh Palace... also suffered the same fate. Thankfully, the left and right wings of Can Chanh Palace remain intact.
The project to restore Can Chanh Palace builds upon six decades of research achievements. There have been numerous opinions and debates regarding historical records, scientific foundations, and restoration plans. The implementation of the Can Chanh Palace reconstruction can be considered a "fortunate opportunity." To date, we have accumulated extensive, meticulous research conducted systematically over many years, employing diverse and scientific international approaches. The sources of materials, particularly film and photographic documentation, are abundant. The wealth of experience in heritage restoration combines with multiple solutions for studying contemporary structures of the same era. On Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day, November 23, the project will officially commence, meeting the expectations of conservation professionals and those passionate about Hue’s heritage.
Alongside Can Chanh Palace, the Dai Cung Mon site will also be reconstructed. Aiming to complete the overall area, we will focus on implementing both projects simultaneously, striving for the swiftest completion and operation of both structures.
What is the most critical issue in the restoration and preservation of heritage structures?
Heritage restoration is always a challenging endeavor requiring thorough research, time, and substantial funding. The primary goal is to ensure the monument’s longevity while preserving its originality.
In preservation, restoration, and reconstruction, documentation is critical, especially photographic records. To source materials, we have made significant efforts to connect with organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally through various means such as purchases, auctions, mobilization, and sending representatives to France. The goal is to gather as much documentation and historical evidence as possible to enrich the scientific dossier. Restoration is a highly specialized field of science, with the paramount principle of ensuring authenticity.
Thank you!