Portrayal of the historic Long Bien Bridge in photo books and paintings

The book Long Bien - The Legendary Bridge, published by Fine Arts Publishing House, was presented to readers at the National Archives Center I, Hanoi on the afternoon of October 4. 

The book, launched on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital, is a collection of articles and poems by many authors, edited by architect Nguyen Nga, who has devoted much of her heart to the bridge.

Dang Thanh Tung, Director of the State Records and Archives Department and Nguyen Nga, Director of Long Bien Bridge Museum Company and editor-in-chief at the book launch. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

Nguyen Nga said the Long Bien Bridge is a historical reminder of "a time of bombs and bullets, a time of peace" that has left a lasting impression on people around the world and inspired pride in the Vietnamese people.

"As a link between the past, present and future, connecting generations, connecting art flows, connecting Vietnam to the world, Long Bien Bridge will be a bridge of history, peace, art and love," said Nguyen Nga.

Nga is a Vietnamese expatriate living in France. After 35 years away from home, she returned to Hanoi in 1989. She cycled up the Long Bien Bridge and encountered a vast, windy space.

The book is in Vietnamese, French and English. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

"The Long Bien Bridge appeared beautiful, majestic and elegant, compared to a 'musical score across the Red River' or a 'reclining Eiffel Tower'. For me, the bridge is a dragon winding over Hanoi. The bridge was too old, full of scars from sweeping bombs. A train rumbled toward it. The whole bridge suddenly shook. I felt like I was standing on the back of an awakening dragon. With so many emotions surging, I promised myself that I would do something for this legendary bridge," Nga said.

Architect Nguyen Nga called on the local and international art community, embassies in Hanoi, and international and Vietnamese media to jointly organize two festivals, "Memories of Long Bien Bridge" in 2009 and "Dragon Bridge Tells a Thousand-Year Story" in 2010, which created a great stir.

According to Nga, the launch of the book aims to illustrate "historical testimonies" from many angles, supporting the plan of protecting and highlighting the unique significance of the Long Bien Bridge so that this cultural legacy will remain forever in Hanoi.

In particular, an online auction of 20 works on the Long Bien Bridge will be held to raise funds for the construction of the bridge and to help people in flood-affected areas.

The painting exhibition will last until October 10 at the National Archives Center I, 5 Vu Pham Ham Street, Hanoi.

One of 20 works of art on display at the Long Bien Bridge.