The exhibition is organized by the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center in collaboration with the Nghe An - Soviet Nghe Tinh Museum. This is a significant cultural activity as the whole country looks forward to the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quoc Tu Giám (1076 - 2026), the first national school in Vietnam.
Through a system of documents, images, restored artifacts, and various forms of interpretation, the exhibition introduces the formation and development of the Temple of Literature - National University; the role of the National University in the education system of Dai Viet; and simultaneously portrays the spirit of studiousness, respect for teachers, and the idea of valuing talented people in the nation's history.
The Thang Long Imperial Academy, established in 1076, was a center for training high-level talents under the monarchy. For over 900 years, the Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy has remained a quintessential symbol of Vietnamese scholarship. It currently houses 82 doctoral steles – a World Documentary Heritage site – recording the names of 1,307 individuals who passed the highest-level imperial examinations.
An important aspect of the exhibition is the introduction of Nghe An's tradition of studiousness and scholarly achievements throughout history. Nghe An is renowned as a land of outstanding people and rich history, with a system of schools, imperial examination centers, and many scholarly families. Many scholars established schools to teach and train talented individuals, such as the Nam Son school of Thám hoa Nguyen Duc Dat, the Tu Vien school in Thanh Chuong, and the school of Cử Kiều in Nam Dan…
Notably, among the 82 doctoral steles at the Temple of Literature - National University, Nghe An province has 44 doctoral graduates and 4 who previously held positions as Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the Thang Long National University. These figures further affirm Nghe An's position in Vietnam's scholarly tradition.
The exhibition also introduces prominent figures from Nghe An province associated with the tradition of learning, self-improvement, and service to the country; including the First-ranked Scholar Bach Lieu, First-ranked Scholar Ho Tong Thoc, Ho Xuan Huong, Phan Boi Chau, Dang Thai Mai, and President Ho Chi Minh . A separate space is dedicated to the work of Vice-Minister Nguyen Sinh Sac and President Ho Chi Minh in the national education system, creating a connection between the historical tradition of education and the requirements of training people in the new era.
Besides the documentary exhibition, the event also features several experiential activities for the public, especially students, making learning about education and the ancient examination system more accessible and engaging.
The thematic exhibition "Thang Long Imperial Academy and the Tradition of Studiousness in Nghe An Province" not only contributes to introducing the history of Thang Long Imperial Academy and the pride of Nghe An's scholarly achievements, but also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage; thereby strengthening cultural ties between Hanoi and Nghe An province.
Source: https://baonghean.vn/khai-mac-trung-bay-quoc-tu-giam-thang-long-voi-truyen-thong-hieu-hoc-tinh-nghe-an-10352949.html
