Visitors collect free newspapers at the Vietnam News Agency’s exhibition booth. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — After 19 days of celebration and more than 10 million visitors, the national exhibition '80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness' has wrapped up with a string of unprecedented records, underscoring Việt Nam’s growing presence on the global exhibition stage.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, speaking at the closing ceremony earlier this week, described the event as "an outstanding success that exceeded all expectations."

Covering nearly 260,000sq.m – the size of dozens of stadiums – the exhibition featured 34 provinces and cities, 28 ministries and agencies and more than 230 booths from over 100 leading State-owned and private enterprises.

Together, they showcased achievements across 180 sectors, painting a panoramic picture of the nation’s economic, cultural, social, defence and diplomatic progress during the renewal era.

Visitors try out virtual reality headsets at the Voice of Vietnam’s booth. — VNA/VNS Photo

Breaking away from the stereotype of traditional exhibitions, the event became a 'super stage' for technology, blending 3D mapping, virtual reality, holograms and artificial intelligence with conventional display arts.

Each day brought more than 100 side activities, from art performances and seminars to interactive experiences, creating what felt like a 'mini city of events.'

Visitor turnout was historic. On its busiest day, nearly 1.3 million people flocked to the Vietnam Exposition Centre (VEC) – a first for any cultural or political event in the country.

From war veterans to schoolchildren, from local residents to overseas Vietnamese, millions came with pride and renewed faith in the nation’s future.

A visitor takes a photo next to military equipment of the Vietnam People’s Army at the exhibition. — VNA/VNS Photo

The exhibition also welcomed high-level foreign guests, including the General Secretary and President of Laos, the President of the Cambodian People’s Party, Cuba’s Minister of Revolutionary Armed Forces and military delegations from Russia, Laos and Cambodia.

Behind the scenes, the operation was enormous: nearly 400 contractors, over 31,000 personnel, eight parking lots, 20 free bus routes and two internal electric shuttle lines.

The feat followed the earlier achievement of building the VEC itself – now among the world’s top 10 exhibition centres – in just 10 months.

The Lao delegation, led by General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and the Cambodian delegation, led by Cambodian People’s Party President Hun Sen, tour the exhibition. — VNA/VNS Photo Phan Phương

Bùi Hoài Sơn, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Social Affairs, said the exhibition proved VEC is not only a symbolic landmark but also a world-class venue capable of hosting mega-events with millions of visitors.

"It has become a new symbol of a modern, creative and globally connected Việt Nam, firmly rooted in national identity," he said.

"This was the largest exhibition in our history," said Lê Quốc Vinh, Chairman of Lebros and Vice President of the Vietnam Exhibition and Event Association.

"For the world, it was also a chance to see a Việt Nam that is dynamic, innovative and full of potential. The fact that it took place at VEC – now ranked among the world’s top ten exhibition centres – made it even more special.”

Fireworks light up the closing ceremony of the exhibition. — VNA/VNS Photo

The exhibition also highlighted effective public–private cooperation in culture, with Vingroup taking a pioneering role in working alongside the State to stage events of national stature.

Closing with record-breaking numbers and lasting impressions, the exhibition opens a new chapter for Việt Nam’s cultural industry.

With VEC as its grand stage, the country now has the platform to showcase its culture, achievements and ambitions to the world, while attracting and sharing in the finest global values. — VNS