Thang Long - Ha Noi Festival 2026: 'Khai Van' narrates Vietnamese educational tradition through contemporary art
WVR - The 'Khai Van' (Opening Ceremony at the Temple of Literature) art program at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature-Imperial Academy) is a highlight of the Thang Long - Ha Noi Festival 2026, recounting the story of Vietnam's educational tradition through the language of contemporary art.
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| The “Khai Van” art program is held at the Garden of Giam within Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam. (Photo: Hoang Lan) |
Aiming to mark the 950th anniversary of the establishment of Quoc Tu Giam (the Imperial Academy) – Vietnam’s first national university (1076–2026), on the evening of September 12, at the Garden of Giam, the “Khai Van” art program was held, within the special national relic site of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. The program presented an artistic story highlighting the Vietnamese tradition of valuing education, respecting teachers and learning, appreciating and employing talented people, and aspiring to contribute to society.
Organized by the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, the program is one of the key cultural and artistic activities within the framework of the second Thang Long - Ha Noi Festival in 2026.
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| The program is built around five core values: Khai Tam - Opening the heart with kindness, compassion; Khai Tri - Expanding knowledge; Khai Chi - Building ideals; Khai Nghiep - Contributing through professions; Khai Sang - Spreading values to the community. (Photo: Hoang Lan) |
Honouring Vietnamese education and tradition
In 1076, under the Ly dynasty, Quoc Tu Giam was established as Vietnam's first national university. Along with the development of education and examinations, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam gradually became a symbol of the nation's tradition of valuing education, respecting teachers, and recognizing talents.
After 950 years, the values cultivated from the national educational tradition are not merely stories of the past but continue to be inherited, transmitted, and promoted in contemporary life.
From this significance, the “Khai Van” program is held in the heritage space of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam to honour the development journey of Vietnamese education and tradition. It affirms the vitality of Thang Long - Ha Noi's cultural values while spreading the spirit of valuing education, cultivating character, aspiring to establish oneself, and contributing to the community and the nation.
According to Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, the name “Khai Van” suggests a journey of human perfection through knowledge and tradition: From expanding knowledge and building character to nurturing aspirations and the spirit of contribution. It is also a journey of learning, cultivating, and practicing good values in life.
Inspired by the educational tradition cultivated over thousands of years at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the program is built around five core values: Khai Tam - Opening the heart with kindness, compassion; Khai Tri - Expanding knowledge; Khai Chi - Building ideals; Khai Nghiep - Contributing through professions; Khai Sang - Spreading values to the community.
These five values form a continuous journey of tradition: Learning to perfect character, expand knowledge, nurture aspirations, transform knowledge into action, and contribute good values to the community, society, and the nation.
Thus, “Khai Van” continues a fundamental spirit of Vietnamese educational tradition: Learning is not only about accumulating knowledge but also about cultivating ethics, establishing aspirations, and fulfilling the responsibilities of an educated person towards the nation and the people.
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| People's Artist Thanh Lam and singer Pham Anh Khoa in the performance “Tu nguyen” (Volunteer) in the Khai Sang section. (Photo: Hoang Lan) |
More than just a historical memory...
A notable aspect of “Khai Van” is its approach to heritage through the language of contemporary art. The program combines traditional art forms with new expressive methods, creating an artistic space rich in cultural and historical depth while remaining accessible to today's audience. The program is captivating not only for its concept and staging but also for the synergy of light performances, installation art, contemporary dance, traditional music, and performing artists.
The performances are constructed along a continuous narrative, from the opening of knowledge, the spirit of valuing education, respecting teachers, to the determination to establish oneself, the aspiration to contribute, and the responsibility of talented individuals towards the nation.
Through art, the stories and values associated with Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam are conveyed through new expressive methods. Thus, the public, especially the younger generation, can approach heritage not only as a historical relic but also as a source of inspiration for learning, creativity, and development in the present.
According to the Organizing Committee, choosing the Garden of Giam as the program's venue also creates a direct connection between art and heritage. The historical, architectural, and landscape values of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam are placed at the center; art and performance technology serve as storytelling tools, highlighting the cultural depth of the heritage without overshadowing its inherent values.
This approach aligns with the requirement to promote heritage values in contemporary life, not only preserving what exists but also seeking new ways for heritage to continue to be perceived, dialogued with, and inspire the community.
Mr. Le Xuan Kieu believes that the 950th anniversary of Quoc Tu Giam's establishment not only recalls a long historical journey of Vietnam's national education but also demonstrates the enduring vitality of values cultivated and transmitted across generations.
