Hanoi closes Photo Hanoi’25 with a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture
From lakeside displays to Old Quarter art walks, Photo Hanoi’25 concluded with the celebration of a city where creativity flows through every street and photography serves as a bridge between cultures.
THE HANOI TIMES — The international photography event Photo Hanoi ’25 Biennale concluded on November 30 at the Center for Culture and Arts, 22 Hang Buom Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, after more than a month of vibrant exhibitions, workshops and cultural activities.
Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports gives her closing ceremony of Photo Hanoi’25 Biennale. Photo courtesy of the organization committee
Transforming Hanoi into a hub for photography lovers
Co-organized by the French Institute in Vietnam and Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, the event brought photography closer to the public and turned the city into an open-air art gallery.
Bach Lien Huong, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports, said the Biennale acts as a cultural bridge and a long-term investment in the city’s creative future, helping Hanoi build a world-class photography ecosystem capable of attracting both domestic and international talent.
The Photo Hanoi ’25 fulfills a dual purpose that includes realizing the cooperation agreement between the French Embassy and the Hanoi People’s Committee and supporting the transfer of technology and technical expertise from France, elevating Hanoi into an international photography hub, enhancing local professional practice and fostering cultural exchange with the global community.
Nguyen Nhat Anh’s project “Quiet Under the Water” at Hanoi Photo 25 Biennale highlights the artistry of Hanoi’s Dao Thuc water puppetry, offering a fresh and immersive perspective on this cherished cultural tradition. Photo: The Hanoi Times
On the other hand, the Biennale is envisioned as an important catalyst for advancing Hanoi’s Cultural Industry Development Strategy, aligned with the goals outlined in the Hanoi Party Committee's Resolution on developing the capital’s cultural industries by 2030 and with a vision to 2045.
Reflecting on this year’s edition, Lien Huong shared that Photo Hanoi’25 – International Photography Biennale drew more than 200,000 visitors and participants, both in person and online, including many young photography enthusiasts from the capital, over 100 press and media agencies producing more than 500 articles and reports in multiple languages across print and digital platforms.
“All of this has created a truly distinctive cultural imprint,” she said.
“Hanoi is becoming a dynamic and creative city, preserving its heritage while fostering an artistic vitality rooted in humanistic values. The Biennale has left lasting impressions on participating artists, the Hanoi public, photography enthusiasts and international visitors alike,” she added.
Celebrating the power of international cultural exchange
A photo by Boris Zuliani at the "Timeless Reflection" Exhibition at the Photo Hanoi’25 Biennale.
At the closing ceremony, UNESCO representative Jonathan Baker highlighted Hanoi’s growing reputation as a UNESCO Creative City, noting the youthful energy and innovation shaping its arts scene.
“Photo Hanoi’25 underscores Hanoi’s emergence as a dynamic Creative City, where young talent, a strong local creative community and a commitment to culture-driven development combine to nurture creativity and ensure it thrives,” he said.
Baker reaffirmed UNESCO’s support for Hanoi in strengthening its creative ecosystem, expanding opportunities for young artists and ensuring future editions of Photo Hanoi grow in both visibility and influence.
Eric Soulier, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities at the French Embassy and Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, praised the imagination and vitality of Vietnam’s emerging photographers.
He noted that the Biennale transformed Hanoi into a vibrant outdoor gallery, attracting crowds to lakeside displays and Old Quarter venues.
He emphasized that the event’s success reflects effective collaboration among government agencies, cultural organizations, international partners and the business community, all crucial to advancing Hanoi’s creative industries.
At Photo Hanoi ’25, visitors may encounter works presented in various formats and hybrid genres alongside traditional photography. Photo courtesy of the organization committee
Artist Andy Soloman praised Vietnam’s rich artistic heritage, calling this year’s Biennale “a celebration of culture as a binding force.” He noted the event showcased unity through diversity, an ethos resonating in Vietnam and beyond.
“Photo Hanoi has revealed the city’s creativity, opening eyes, ears and minds to the power and beauty of artistic possibility. The exhibitions featured exceptional talent and fresh perspectives,” he said.
Photo Hanoi’25 is a citywide photography program complementing the Biennale, featuring curated exhibitions, public art displays, artist talks and interactive experiences. It presents a vibrant mix of Vietnamese and international visual storytelling, inviting visitors to explore Hanoi through new cultural perspectives and reinforcing the city’s position on the global creative map.
