The 3.36m tall ceramic clock installed beneath the station's skylight. Photos baotintuc.vn

HCM CITY — Public art installations at Bến Thành Metro Station in HCM City were officially unveiled on July 15, adding a distinctive cultural and artistic dimension to the city's modern public transport network.

The initiative marks the first time public art has been integrated into HCM City's metro system, bringing art into public spaces while showcasing the city's blend of modern development and rich cultural heritage.

A 3.36m tall ceramic clock installed beneath the station's skylight is the project centrepiece. It is inspired by the lotus flower and designed with 12 stylised lotus petals. On each lotus petal appear motifs that embody Vietnamese cultural identity, such as Việt Nam's legendary chim lạc bird, stilt houses, images of people from the Hùng King era and the Đông Sơn bronze drum.

According to artist Nguyễn Thu Thủy, from 11am to 1pm each day, sunlight passing through the station's glass roof will create bright lighting effects on the ceramic clock, highlighting the station's airy central space.

"This is a combination of nature, architecture and fine arts, blending tradition and modernity," Thủy said.

One of three large ceramic artworks featuring Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street.

“The clock and the ceramic murals not only enhance the beauty of the station, but also bring Vietnamese culture into people's daily journeys in a familiar and accessible way.”

Next to the clock are three large ceramic artworks depicting iconic images of HCM City, reflecting the city's transformation from tradition to modernity.

At the exit gate, there is also an artwork series titled Việt Nam's Four Seasons of Flowers, depicted on the station's four pillars and showcasing the natural beauty, culture and diversity of Việt Nam's regions.

The project also includes a collection of historical images of the areas surrounding Bến Thành, City Opera House, Ba Son, Văn Thánh and Tân Cảng stations, presented as mosaic ceramic artworks. These installations help provide passengers with a rich cultural experience.

"Bringing public art into Bến Thành Metro Station not only enhances the aesthetic value of the transportation infrastructure, but also helps transform the station into an open cultural space where residents and visitors can experience art as part of their everyday lives," said Văn Thị Hữu Tâm, deputy director of the urban rail company that operates Metro Line 1 at the opening ceremony.

The project was launched for the 50th anniversary of the official renaming of the city from Sài Gòn-Gia Định to HCM City earlier this month. It also forms part of the city's broader effort to weave art and culture into its growing metro network. — VNS