The powerful appeal of exhibition on national achievements

By Nhan Dan English

With its vibrant display spaces infused with both historical depth and the spirit of the times, the exhibition themed "80-Year Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness" has captivated the public with a unique allure, taking visitors on a journey back through time to fully experience the nation’s glorious path.

Thousands of people queued up to receive the Nhan Dan Newspaper special supplement.

A hub of diverse experiences

Over the past weeks, the exhibition on national achievements, which has been taking place from August 28 to September 15 at the Viet Nam National Exposition Centre in Ha Noi's Dong Hoi Commune, has become a focal event, drawing large crowds of local residents as well as both domestic and foreign tourists alike. By the time it concludes, the exhibition is expected to set a record of 10 million visitors.

Covering nearly 260,000 square metres with more than 230 display booths, the event retraces eight decades of nation-building and development across politics, economy, culture, society, defence and foreign affairs.

Its vibrant, multi-layered and interactive displays have made the exhibition a magnet for visitors, offering the public not only a direct view of national achievements but also a sense of pride, aspiration and cultural identity.

A huge amount of information is combined with modern projection technology to create an appealing exhibition.

Notable highlights include sections dedicated to "95 Years of the Party Flag Lighting the Way", "Rich Provinces – Strong Nation", and "Start-ups for National Development".

The exhibition resembles a miniature Viet Nam, recreating the revolutionary journey through each period, the image of the nation on its path to integration, and outstanding achievements in industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, digital transformation, space exploration and tourism. Cultural displays from different regions, the heritage of 54 ethnic groups and notable landmarks together create a bridge between tradition and modernity.

A striking feature of the exhibition is the omnipresence of art across the display spaces, harmoniously blending with the spirit of science, technology and innovation, and leaving a profound impact on hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Technological advances form an integral part of the public’s direct experience. From hands-on exhibits such as robots, UAVs and semiconductor chips to cutting-edge solutions like virtual reality, 360-degree cameras and holograms, each element contributes to a vivid portrayal of the nation’s 80-year journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness.

Exhibits draw the interest of visitors.

Awakening national pride

For the Vietnamese people, the exhibition is a special occasion to look back on the nation’s heroic traditions, rekindle national pride, and reinforce confidence in the country’s path of development. Large numbers of students, young union members, officials, and soldiers have come to visit and experience the event, expressing their pride as they witness firsthand the artefacts associated with the nation’s momentous historical milestones.

Many participants said they came to learn and experience first-hand the history of nation-building and defence, to feel the sacrifices and dedication of previous generations.

Those who lived through wartime were moved when revisiting history, while young people were drawn to the blend of traditional and modern displays. Professionals were impressed by the design, layout and use of technology.

Veteran Duong Van Don from Ninh Binh Province

Veteran Duong Van Don from Ninh Binh Province

Sharing his thoughts about the exhibition, veteran Duong Van Don, Director of the Kim Chinh Museum in Ninh Binh Province — which preserves artefacts from the past and wartime — remarked: “The exhibition’s contents are presented through rich visual displays, with captions and explanations that are clear, concise, and informative — making it highly accessible to visitors, especially younger generations."

What makes the exhibition an attractive event is not only its scale but also its range of creative and fresh presentation methods. For the first time, advanced technology has been applied extensively, delivering vivid and multi-dimensional experiences.

Tran Ha Anh and her younger sister share their happiness after receiving Nhan Dan Newspaper's special supplement marking the National Day (September 2).

Tran Ha Anh and her younger sister share their happiness after receiving Nhan Dan Newspaper's special supplement marking the National Day (September 2).

"I am very happy to visit the exhibition with my parents and younger sister. Through the exhibition, I have learned so much more about our country’s history and development. It has made me love my country even more, and I have promised myself to study harder so that I can become a useful citizen in the future.”
Tran Ha Anh, the 5th grader from Nguyen Sieu Primary School in Ha Noi

Striking a chord with international visitors

Right from its opening days, the exhibition has not only welcomed a large crowds of domestic visitors but also attracted numerous international friends coming to visit, research, and explore. Many visitors expressed deep impressions of the exhibition’s scientific and modern layout, which harmoniously blends traditional elements with interactive technology, making it easy for audiences to engage with the flow of Viet Nam’s history and development achievements.

The portrayal of a resilient Viet Nam in times of war, dynamic in times of peace, and proactive in international integration has left a powerful impression, helping to elevate the country’s profile and image on the global stage.

Visiting the exhibition, US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc Knapper expressed impressions of the organisation as well as the scale of the exhibition. His words not only reflected his respect for Viet Nam’s history and culture but also demonstrated his particular attention to the relationship between the two nations.

During his visit to the exhibition booth of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences during the exhibition, Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes stopped by the folk art experience area, which showcased Dong Ho folk paintings and traditional calligraphy works. He expressed his impressions of this folk art form as well as Viet Nam's comprehensive development.

As an American citizen who has a great love for Viet Nam, Michael Ray Sullivan shared his surprise at the size of the exhibition. He said: "Before you even get into the center you are greeted with many exhibits outside the building. Once you enter you are bathed in red and an extraordinary display of patriotism. There are many exhibits demonstrating the diversity of products and culture across the various regions of the country. And there are many exhibits highlighting different Vietnamese companies, industries, and technology."

The exhibition may have had a grand opening, but what is noteworthy is that its appeal has remained undiminished. The extended duration, the steady rise in visitor numbers, and the wide range of audiences – from pupils and students to war veterans, retired officials and families, as well as foreign visitors – all demonstrate that the exhibition not only meets the demand for historical and cultural knowledge, but also acts as a community event, evoking shared emotions about renewal, freedom, independence and happiness – values the nation has lived through and continues to strive for.

As the country prepares for major activities, this exhibition will continue to leave a profound mark on the cultural and spiritual life of the people, serving as a model for the organisation of historical and cultural events that are at once solemn and accessible, modern and creative.

Production Manager: Hong Hanh
Content: Kim Linh, Thuy Linh, NDO
Photos: Kim Linh, Thuy Linh, NDO