The event was launched by the Ha Noi Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the French Institute in Ha Noi (L’Espace) and the UNESCO Office in Viet Nam at the Cultural and Art Exhibition Centre (No. 22 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi), on November 1.
The biennale aims to honour photography as a universal language of humanity — a powerful medium for observation, emotion, and connection.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Ha Noi Department of Culture and Sports, stated that Photo Ha Noi ’25 offers the public, photography enthusiasts, and especially young people an opportunity to experience, practise, and explore new perspectives on contemporary photography in Viet Nam and abroad.
She emphasised that the event not only promotes the image of the capital and its people through the lens of photography, but also creates a dynamic and deeply impressive international cultural and artistic atmosphere in Ha Noi.
The event marks Ha Noi’s growing presence on the global photography map, with the participation of over 170 artists, photographers, curators, and experts from 21 countries and 25 professional organisations.
The biennale features 22 exhibitions and 29 side events, including talks, book launches, film screenings, art tours, and hands-on workshops, taking place across 20 cultural venues throughout the capital.
Notably, a series of workshops, art tours, and portfolio reviews offer valuable practical opportunities for young photographers to develop their careers, build their reputations, and gradually reach regional and international markets.
Exhibitions and events are held at venues such as 45 Trang Tien Exhibition House, 93 Dinh Tien Hoang, Cultural and Art Centre 22 Hang Buom, 2 Le Thai To, 49 Tran Hung Dao, the French Institute (L’Espace), Japan Foundation, Casa Italia, Complex 01, Long Bien Art Space, Matca, S+ Six Senses Space, and Chau & Co Gallery, as well as public areas like Dien Hong Garden, Hoan Kiem Lake surroundings, the walls of the Temple of Literature, and the façade of the French Embassy.
Among the highlights is the exhibition “Nostalgia for Cities” at the Cultural and Art Centre, 22 Hang Buom, featuring works by 30 talented photographers and visual artists from Viet Nam and abroad.
Running throughout November, Photo Ha Noi ’25 promises to be a vibrant and inspiring celebration of creativity, culture, and global artistic dialogue — a true festival of photography in the heart of Viet Nam’s capital.
