HÀ NỘI — An exhibition has opened at Hà Nội's Temple of Literature Complex, providing insights on the revival and conservation of the complex from 1898 to 1954.

Vietnamese and foreign viewers at the exhibition. VNA/VNS Photo Đinh Thuận

The event, which is part of festivities honouring the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-France diplomatic ties (1973-2023), includes a photography collection from the L'École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) or the French School of Asian Studies illustrating a journey of the site's preservation.

Đỗ Đình Hồng, director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, said the reviewed period saw close collaboration between personnel of the heritage site and EFEO in the protection and regular maintenance of the Temple of Literature Complex, which also hosts the Imperial Academy, Việt Nam's first university.

Their efforts have restored the worship area, and maintained its important role in relation to the landscape of Hà Nội, he added.

Lê Xuân Kiêu, director of the Temple of Literature Complex's Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities, praised the conservation team for their work, adding that EFEO had strong relations with the Temple of Literature up to the school's leave in 1957.

"The exhibition helps the audience understand the task undertaken at the Temple of Literature during this period, the work of researchers at that time, and at the same time gives spectators with a contemporary perspective on modern research," Kiêu said.

"In addition, there are depictions of those who have always had a passion for history, contributed to the preservation of the heritage site, and fought valiantly against the ravages of time on heritage."

Nicolas Fiévé, director of EFEO gave the exhibition great praise, saying: "The exhibition depicts the architectural growth of the Temple of Literature, the life within; as well as the repair and adornment of the legacy, with the commitment of the individuals involved in this effort."

"With precious materials, the exhibition allows us to reconnect to the past, which is nearly still present here," he noted.

The exhibition remains open for visitors until April 30.

Built in the 11th century during the Lý dynasty (1010–1225) the Temple of Literature Complex is a special national heritage site, and now one of the most popular tourism landmarks in Hà Nội and the country at large. VNS