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On February 3, the museum launched both its long-awaited regular display and a thematic exhibition titled “Long Ma Khai Van.”

Speaking at the opening, museum director Nguyen Tien Da shared that, following years of preparation, the Hanoi Museum has unveiled its comprehensive permanent exhibition, which features more than 7,000 items, documents, and relics  -  including six national treasures and a collection of nationally recognized artifacts.

The exhibition is organized into seven overarching themes and 35 subtopics. These range from the region’s natural history and the journey to Thang Long, to Hanoi from the 11th to 20th centuries, the wars against French and American forces, socialist construction, and the city’s aspirations for the future.

Beyond static displays, the museum also incorporates interactive and experiential zones designed to bring Hanoi’s rich past to life for the public. Activities are held both indoors and outdoors, including displays dedicated to martyrs and doctors like Dang Thuy Tram, and wartime Hanoi during American aerial bombings.

“We aim to transform the Hanoi Museum into a vibrant destination that embodies Thang Long – Hanoi’s distinctive identity and creative spirit,” said Nguyen Tien Da.

Introducing the Long Ma exhibition

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The “Long Ma Khai Van” exhibition showcases over 100 items drawn from the museum’s own collections and contributions by local artisans. It explores the mythical Long Ma  -  a sacred creature in Vietnamese culture that combines the dragon, unicorn, and horse.

According to Dr. Pham Quoc Quan, former director of the Hanoi Museum, Long Ma has long been revered in Vietnamese spiritual life as a symbol of power, luck, beauty, and auspiciousness. It has also served as a source of artistic inspiration across generations.

Visitors to the exhibit can view a variety of unique pieces, including ceramic Long Ma statues, intricately crafted silver horses, folk paintings, and hand-made artifacts representing this culturally significant creature.

These efforts are part of a broader mission to make the Hanoi Museum a welcoming space for historical education, cultural connection, and public engagement, particularly during the festive Tet season.


Tinh Le