Museums urged to improve display technologies

Museums are not simply storage site to keep pieces of cultural and historical heritage, they are also an educational venue to teach the nation’s traditions to younger generations. Experts say museums should increase experimental activities and technologies to operate more effectively.

With more than 40,000 objects and antiques on display, the Ho Chi Minh History Museum is one of the few museums that attract many visitors. However, simple display techniques and limited information have hindered the number of visitors to the museum.

Similarly, the War Remnants Museum is listed amongst Asia’s top museums, with 14 million visitors to the site in 2017. However, the museum has been urged to improve its display system and infrastructure to better its  quality.

Currently, the city has 14 museums, but only few of which have received any form of praise, the rest are ultimately ineffective. Mostly this is due to a lack of investment in equipment and reliance on old-fashioned displays and technologies.

Experts say useums should consider raising visitor figures a key target. Besides displaying significant historical objects, museums should also introduce more interactive activities relating to culture and intangible heritage in order to attract further interest.

Tay Nguyen Gong Culture Festival closes

A street festival during the 2018 Tay Nguyen Gong Culture Festival 

The 2018 Tay Nguyen Gong Culture Festival wrapped up with a colourful closing ceremony held in Pleiku city, the Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) province of Gia Lai, on the night of December 2. 

The highlight of the closing event was a gong and traditional music and dance performance typical of the cultures of the Central Highlands, home to many ethnic minority groups.  

 Addressing the ceremony, Chairman of Gia Lai provincial People’s Committee Vo Ngoc Thanh said the festival was a big feast of not only wonderful gong performances by excellent gong artists but also traditional music of other localities in the country. 

“The 2018 Tay Nguyen Gong Culture Festival sends the message for all people to join hands in conserving and developing the cultural values of the gong, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of the humanity,” Thanh said. 

Taking place from November 30, the festival’s main activities included traditional rituals, folk wood sculpture, brocade weaving, epic recitals, photo and document exhibitions, and conferences on the preservation and promotion of gong culture legacy of ethnic races in the region, among others.

The gong is closely linked to the daily life of local people in Tay Nguyen. Their belief systems form a mystical world where the gongs serve as a privileged language between men, divinities and the supernatural world.

 Currently, Tay Nguyen has more than 10,000 sets of gongs, over half of which are kept in Gia Lai province.

Museums urged to improve display technologies

Museums are not simply storage site to keep pieces of cultural and historical heritage, they are also an educational venue to teach the nation’s traditions to younger generations. Experts say museums should increase experimental activities and technologies to operate more effectively.

With more than 40,000 objects and antiques on display, the Ho Chi Minh History Museum is one of the few museums that attract many visitors. However, simple display techniques and limited information have hindered the number of visitors to the museum.

Similarly, the War Remnants Museum is listed amongst Asia’s top museums, with 14 million visitors to the site in 2017. However, the museum has been urged to improve its display system and infrastructure to better its  quality.

Currently, the city has 14 museums, but only few of which have received any form of praise, the rest are ultimately ineffective. Mostly this is due to a lack of investment in equipment and reliance on old-fashioned displays and technologies.

Experts say useums should consider raising visitor figures a key target. Besides displaying significant historical objects, museums should also introduce more interactive activities relating to culture and intangible heritage in order to attract further interest.

Da Lat to celebrate 125th anniversary with art programme

Art programme “Pho Ben Doi” – the city beside the hill, will be held in the resort town of Da Lat later this year to mark its 125th anniversary. The event is expected to draw 45,000 visitors.

Pho Ben Doi is an annual community arts festival and this is the third year of this event. The art programme will be held at Cau Dat Farm of Da Lat City, from December 2018 to March 2019.

The event is expected to gather more than 125 art works, nearly 50 internationally renowned artists and experts and 35 companion brands to create a fulfilling experience for visitors.

Pho Ben Doi art programme is held with the collaboration of Urban Sketchers Vietnam community and is expected to attract 45,000 visitors to Da Lat, making the event one of Southeast Asia’s key arts programmes.

Christmas BISzaar at British International School

The Christmas BISzaar will be held from 9am to 1pm on December 8 at British International School (BIS) on 246 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng Street in HCM City’s District 2. — Photo saigoneer.com

The Christmas BISzaar will be held from 9am to 1pm on December 8 at British International School (BIS) on 246 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng Street in HCM City’s District 2.

The Christmas BISzaar is an annual event organised by the BIS Parent Teacher Group.

In recent years, the Christmas BISzaar has attracted over 70 vendors and more than 1,500 visitors sampling great seasonal fare, taking part in fun activities, and enjoying Christmas music and carols provided by the school’s music department.

This year’s event will have an assortment of vendors for visitors to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents, delicious food and beverages, and an exciting raffle with prizes that are not to be missed.

Map, photo exhibition on Book Street reviews 320 years of Sài Gòn

Visitors learn about HCM City and its people from an exhibition of old maps and panoramic photos featuring Sài Gòn and its 320-year history, held on Book Street (Nguyễn Văn Bình St) in District 1. — Photo courtesy of the organiser

Dozens of old maps and panoramic photos featuring Sài Gòn and its 320-year history are on display on Book Street (Nguyễn Văn Bình Street) in HCM City’s District 1.

Most of the maps, which were made from 1799 to 1922, come from the collections of Lê Phỉ of Đà Lạt and Dr. Phan Thị Minh Lễ of Paris.

About 20 photos feature the city’s culture and lifestyle, including images of old buildings, churches and markets.

“I enjoyed the photos of the city’s architecture designed by the French in the early 17th century and famous tourist destinations. They’re part of our daily life,” Trần Văn Sơn of District 1 said.  

“The images at the exhibition helped us learn more about Sài Gòn, the city’s history and development,” said Rob Matthews, an American visitor.    

The exhibition ends in late December. 

Street culture festival

’Feel It’, the street culture festival, will be held from 10am to 11.30pm on December 12 on the rooftop of Q.Industries Building on Street No.7 in HCM City’s District 7. — Photo ticketbox.vn

’Feel It’, a street culture festival, will be held from 10am to 11.30pm on December 12 on the rooftop of Q.Industries Building on Street No.7 in HCM City’s District 7.

“Feel It” is a public arts and emerging music festival that celebrates street culture and honors local young brands.

Providence, Datmaniac, Thái Sơn Beatbox and bands Weed Elephant and Hem Hem will perform at the festival.

The festival is an intersection of music, street arts, sports, crafting, creativity and originality.

Tickets are VNĐ175,000 including a free drink and free archery game.