VietNamNet Bridge – The Dong Lac Communal House was recognised on Wednesday by the Ha Noi’s Tourism Department as a new tourist destination in the Old Quarter.

Heritage, attraction: Craftsmen perform the sophisticated steps in making lacquer at the Hanoian Culture Space located within the Dong Lac Communal House. The venue was recognised Wednesday by the Ha Noi’s Tourism Department as a new tourist spot in the Old Quarter area. — VNS Photo Thuy Hang

Located at 38 Hang Dao Street, the communal house worships the ancestors of the brassiere trading in the 16th century. After many ups and downs through its history, the house was damaged seriously. In 2000, the vestige was renovated with the financial and technical assistance of Toulouse city in France.

In 2004, the communal house was recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national vestige.

Aiming to introduce to tourists to Vietnamese traditional handicraft, a cultural space has been set up within the two-storey building, displaying refined products such as lacquer, giay do (poonah), lanh My A (My A black silk), and embroidery. In addition, all the staff working at the venue have been trained as tourist guides for the venue.

From January, the Hanoian Culture Space will launch monthly cultural series with an aim to revive traditional values of the local culture.

The kick-off, held on January 13, will be a roundtable discussion with painter and antique collector Nguyen Manh Duc, who will talk about the Lunar New Year altar of Vietnamese people and prayers made during the traditional festival.

Other events will be held on the second Friday of every month.

VNS