Titled “Troi, Non, Nuoc | Allusive Panorama,” the exhibition marks the second stop in a nationwide series, following a successful debut at Kien Trung Palace in Hue in March 2025, which attracted more than 110,000 visitors.
It is co-organised by Art Nation, the Institut Français in Viet Nam, and the Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam cultural centre, and is regarded as the first large-scale showcase of the former emperor’s works in the capital to meet international curatorial standards.
Co-curated by art researcher Ace Le and Dr Amandine Dabat, a fifth-generation descendant of Ham Nghi, the exhibition brings together 20 paintings from 10 private collections. These works have been repatriated, authenticated, and restored by leading experts.
Emperor Ham Nghi (1871–1944) is widely remembered as a national hero who launched the Can Vuong movement against French colonial rule before being exiled to Algeria, where he died. However, his artistic legacy has long been overlooked. According to the curators, he was the first Vietnamese artist trained in Western academic art, playing a pioneering role in the development of modern Vietnamese painting.
Organisers say the exhibition also reflects broader efforts to transform heritage sites into creative cultural spaces. Alongside the display, a series of talks and guided tours will offer visitors deeper insight into the artworks and their historical significance.
