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| Visitors eagerly exploring artifacts embedded in plaster blocks |
Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) has partnered with Comicola and Phygital Labs to launch the “Imperial Ancient Capital Archaeology Chronicles” project at Ruong House Space within the Interior Palace area of Hue Imperial Citadel. Inspired by iconic artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, the project integrates Nomion identification technology using NFC chips and the global trend of blind box collectible art toys. With this form, each toy not only serves as more than entertainment, but also becomes a medium for conveying historical stories in a creative and engaging way.
The standout feature is its ability to inspire pride in national history through direct interactive experiences. Collectors can tap their smartphones on the toy to uncover stories tied to the artifacts and heritage of Hue Ancient Capital. The exhibition space in the Imperial Citadel is also designed as an artifact treasure hunt, where visitors can “unearth” treasures embedded in plaster blocks and enjoy the thrill of opening blind boxes.
Visitors have expressed enthusiasm for this innovative approach. Thu Trang, a tourist from Hanoi, shared, “I felt a true connection to history as I discovered each 'treasure' through these blind boxes. The combination of physical interaction and historical discovery deepened my appreciation for the cultural heritage of Hue Ancient Capital and my love for our country’s culture”.
In the digital age, traditional methods of heritage preservation and promotion struggle to compete with modern trends. “Imperial Ancient Capital Archaeology Chronicles” exemplifies the effective fusion of cutting-edge technology and historical heritage. By embedding Nomion chips into each product, the project transforms them into unique digital entities authenticated and secured value through blockchain technology.
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| One tap with a smart phone to explore the tale behind the artifact and heritage of Hue Ancient Capital |
This creative model holds its own alongside similar global initiatives. For example, Japan uses anime, manga alongside augmented reality (AR) to offer dynamic experiences at historical sites.
“The “Imperial Ancient Capital Archaeology Chronicles” project is not just an entertainment tool or souvenir. It is a profound cultural education product with high symbolic value, narrating history in an accessible yet captivating way, particularly for younger audiences like Gen Z,” stated Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of HMCC.
The project’s success transcends heritage preservation. Its elegant design and cultural symbolism make it a promising souvenir both domestically and internationally. A British visitor who purchased a souvenir at the Imperial Citadel remarked, “I’m impressed by how you’ve blended traditional history with modern technology. It makes me want to explore more about Hue’s culture and Vietnam”.
According to Director Hoang Viet Trung, in its long-term strategy, the project aims to extend its model to museums and heritage sites nationwide, creating a unique cultural product line tied to Vietnam’s history. From there, it will bring heritage stories closer to the public while reinforcing Vietnam’s rich identity on the global cultural map.
With this vision, “Imperial Ancient Capital Archaeology Chronicles” marks a new trend in the cultural industry, paving the way for sustainable connections between tradition and modernity. “It’s not just a creative product; it offers a modern, effective means of preserving and promoting heritage,” Trung concluded.
“Imperial Ancient Capital Archaeology Chronicles” is a blind box collectible art toy project. It draws inspiration from four treasures of Hue Ancient Capital: the Grand Hong Chung bell at Thien Mu Pagoda, the Khau Ha cannon of the Nine Divine Cannons, the Cao Dinh urn from the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the Nguyen Dynasty throne (one of the remaining three currently preserved in Hue). Each collectible toy features a Nomion chip that updates with new digital content over time. It means that maybe after a few months, when you pick up your mobile phone and “scan” this toy, you will receive completely new content and experiences that have been upgraded by the project team.