Reviving Ly Dynasty’s heritage with modern technology
The thematic display uses modern technology to vividly depict the beauty and spirit of Vietnam's golden age of Buddhism centuries ago.
THE HANOI TIMES — Open until July 31, the exhibition "Ly Dynasty Zen: Heritage Meets Tech" invites visitors on a sensory journey through time to explore the soul of Vietnam's Buddhist golden age vividly brought to life through modern technology.
The Dragon Head Statue from the Ly Dynasty is now on display at the Ly Dynasty Zen: Heritage Meets Tech exhibition. Photo: Cong An Nhan Dan
The Ly Dynasty, which spanned from the 11th to the 13th century, is remembered for its political strength and economic prosperity and as a flourishing era for Vietnamese Buddhism. As the official ideology of the time, Buddhism influenced every aspect of society, including architecture, sculpture, music, and literature. This exhibition reawakens that spiritual legacy by blending history and innovation to provide visitors with a multidimensional cultural experience.
The exhibition features precious artifacts, such as the Phoenix-Head finial and a dragon-carved Bodhi leaf, which are now illuminated through 3D mapping, holography, digital revival, and gauze projection techniques. These technologies breathe new life into centuries-old relics, allowing guests to appreciate their beauty and symbolism in unimaginable ways.
The unveiled artifact from Vietnam's Buddhist golden age during the 11th to 13th centuries.
"These artifacts contribute to the revitalization of invaluable cultural treasures from the Ly Dynasty. They provide a more engaging way for people to connect with their heritage, fostering a greater appreciation for traditional cultural values and raising public awareness about preservation,” said Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the National Museum of History, emphasizing the significance of this endeavor.
Visitors can explore architectural masterpieces from that time, including the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the towering Bao Thien Tower. They can also visit sacred sites such as the Dam, Phat Tich, and Long Doi Pagodas. Through digital interpretation, guests can discover the secrets behind ancient sculpting techniques, including delicate embossed carvings, openwork, and symbolic patterns of lotuses, chrysanthemums, dragons, and phoenixes adorning pottery and ceramics.
The poster of the exhibition.
The exhibition also sheds a spotlight on the musical and dance arts of the Ly Dynasty, which blend royal court performances, folk traditions, and Buddhist rituals. Through immersive visuals and ambient soundscapes, visitors are transported to the heart of the spiritual ceremonies that once took place in temple courtyards and palace halls.
This cultural event, organized in celebration of International Museum Day, Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18, 2025), and the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, is more than an exhibition. It is a bridge between the past and the future, tradition and innovation.
