Significant Vietnamese heritages celebrated in France
The exhibition highlights the enduring cultural ties and vibrant people-to-people exchange between Hanoi and the Île-de-France region for over three decades.
THE HANOI TIMES — In a poignant celebration of cultural diplomacy, an exhibition spotlighting two of Vietnam’s most treasured historical sites, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Co Loa Ancient Citadel, opened to great acclaim in Provins, a thousand-year-old town in France.
The inauguration of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Co Loa Ancient Citadel at the Prieuré Saint-Ayoul medieval monastery, Provins, France. Photo: Thang Long- Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center
The Space for Promoting the Heritage of Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Co Loa Ancient Citadel was inaugurated on July 6 at the Prieuré Saint-Ayoul, a medieval monastery nestled in the heart of Provins. This cultural showcase marks a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Hanoi and the Île-de-France region and represents a milestone in heritage conservation and international cultural exchange.
Curated by the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, the exhibition offers an immersive journey into the grandeur and spiritual depth of Vietnam’s ancient capitals. Through artifacts, terracotta dragon-head sculptures, traditional images, books, and videos, it invites guests to explore the iconic Thang Long Imperial Citadel, which was the seat of power for dynasties spanning over a millennium, and Co Loa, the legendary cradle of Vietnamese civilization.
Since its establishment in 2022, the Thang Long Promotion Space has expanded to include the theme "Co Loa: A Legendary Land." This addition introduces international audiences to Co Loa’s mythic past as the first capital of the ancient Au Lac Kingdom, dating back to the third century BCE. Its deep-rooted legends, including those of King An Duong Vuong and the magical crossbow, continue to shape Vietnamese national identity.
The Dragon Head Statue from the Ly Dynasty (the 11th–13th century) is on display at the Space for Promoting the Heritage of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Co Loa Ancient Citadel at the Prieuré Saint-Ayoul medieval monastery in Provins, France.
Through interactive experiences, such as QR-coded videos, multimedia storytelling, and virtual tours, the exhibition brings the intangible cultural values of these sites to life, including festive traditions, ancestral rituals, ancient cuisine, and community customs.
Speaking at the July 6 ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang highlighted the symbolic significance of the exhibition, noting that it marks the first time Co Loa, a site of profound historical depth, has been introduced to an international audience.
"The event goes beyond heritage promotion, aiming to foster mutual understanding and sustainable development between Vietnam and France," said Thang.
Olivier Lavenka, Mayor of Provins, warmly welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, noting the shared historical resonance between the two ancient towns. "Co Loa laid the foundation for the early Vietnamese state, while Thang Long signified the flourishing of Dai Viet (Great Vietnam). We look forward to the day Co Loa joins Thang Long as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
The exhibition themed Thang Long Imperial Citadel and Co Loa Ancient Town.
This exhibition reflects the ongoing cultural collaboration between Hanoi and Île-de-France, a relationship that has flourished since its formal establishment in 1989. Their cooperation is a model for regional and international partnerships, especially in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Notably, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center is working with Provins to digitize and share its collections, enabling global audiences to explore the wonders of Thang Long without traveling.
According to Nguyen Thanh Quang, Director of the center, this cooperation is about more than just displaying heritage; it's about exchanging knowledge. Vietnamese specialists are learning from French expertise in tourism management and conservation while offering insights into Vietnam’s unique legacy.
At the exhibition, French tourists can explore the richness of ancient Vietnamese culture.
The partnership will continue from 2025 to 2027 with plans to host more exhibitions, organize international academic seminars, promote tourism, and provide technical assistance in preserving Co Loa, a site awaiting global recognition.
The exhibition in Provins, running until December 2026, is also a vibrant expression of the shared human desire to preserve memory, celebrate identity, and build lasting friendships across borders.
As Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang said “Let our heritage speak not only of the past, but of a future where cultures meet, understand each other, and flourish together.”
