Phung Hung mural street revived

The street mural paintings were unveiled in February 2018 and run from Phung Hung to the middle of Hang Cot and Le Van Linh streets in Hang Ma Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

The wall paintings consist of 17 graffities, depicting memories of Hanoi and old features that still linger in Hanoians’ minds, like Hang Ma street during the Mid-Autumn festival, the Trang Tien Department Store, a street corner in the Old Quarter with street vendors and a schoolgirl on her way to school.

The artworks showcasing the scenes of Tet and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, such as calligraphy masters, peddlers and wooden windows, among others, attract hundreds of local and international visitors daily who come to take photos before and during the Tet Holiday.

The project is implemented by Hoan Kiem District’ People Committee in collaboration with the Korea Foundation and UN-Habitat to bring art to the public and promote the urban heritage value of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Part of the wall paintings

A work featuring the Vietnamese traditional holiday or Tet

A painting of a street vendor.

However, some of these murals have been severely degraded after four years.

According to artist Le Dang Ninh, it takes quite a long time for artists to restore a mural. "It takes me one day to finish a simple painting, while the more complicated or bigger ones would take at least three days".

"These wall paintings look shiny and beautiful, as if they are new after re-embellishing. However, raising awareness among locals and tourists about protecting the murals is necessary for the art street to last," Ninh added.

The mural repair project in the Hoan Kiem District has received great support from residents.

The renovation of Phung Hung Street is expected to be completed within the next week.

These foreign tourists enjoy taking snapshots with a restored painting.

For years, Phung Hung Mural Painting Street has become more photogenic after the restoration.