On January 28, the Department of State Records and Archives under the Ministry of Home Affairs launched a permanent exhibition space dedicated to Vietnam’s Memory of the World documentary heritage and nationally significant archival records.

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The exhibition space offers a multisensory experience connecting visitors with Vietnam’s documentary heritage. 

The newly opened center is expected to become a cultural destination in Hanoi, where visitors can engage directly with historical artifacts such as the Chế Cáo Chi Bảo seal cast under Emperor Gia Long (1802–1820) and the Sắc Mệnh Chi Bảo seal issued in the 8th year of Emperor Minh Mang’s reign (1827).

These precious gold seals once symbolized royal authority. The Chế Cáo Chi Bảo seal was used on official documents conferring titles and duties upon civil and military officials, while the Sắc Mệnh Chi Bảo seal was used for royal edicts and honors bestowed upon officials and deities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director General Dang Thanh Tung emphasized that national archives serve as an essential source of authentic historical data, offering a truthful reflection of Vietnam’s cultural and administrative evolution.

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The exhibition space is a product of extensive planning aligned with Vietnam’s national strategy to preserve and promote archival heritage, while also meeting international standards in archival practice.

The Department of State Records and Archives currently manages two UNESCO-recognized World Documentary Heritage collections: the Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks and the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Records (Châu bản).

“This initiative marks a shift from traditional preservation toward active engagement - making archival materials accessible and meaningful to society,” said Dang Thanh Tung.

The launch of this archival space also coincides with the implementation of the 2024 Archives Law, which guarantees the public’s right to access historical information.

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The Sắc Mệnh Chi Bảo seal from 1827 was used to issue imperial honors and decrees. 

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The Chế Cáo Chi Bảo seal cast under Emperor Gia Long symbolized royal authority over civil and military appointments. 

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Original documents on Vietnam’s national symbols - flag, anthem, emblem, constitution - are also on display. 


Starting from March 3, the center will open freely to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

The space is designed around three core elements, with its centerpiece being a modern media zone where original documents are digitized into interactive multimedia experiences. Visitors can explore archival records through touchscreen displays and digital interfaces.

Highlights include original documents relating to Vietnam’s national symbols - such as the flag, anthem, emblem, and constitution - offering insight into the formation of national identity.

Another section of the exhibition honors the legacy of Vietnam’s archival profession, tracing the evolution of record-keeping and paying tribute to generations of archivists who preserved the nation’s memory across historical epochs.

Director General Dang Thanh Tung expressed hope that the center would become a vibrant cultural and educational ecosystem, appealing to a wide range of visitors - from students and researchers to the general public and international guests.

More than a historical showcase, the exhibition aims to bring the past into the present - connecting contemporary audiences with centuries of national history, values, and identity.

Tinh Le