Compass Travel Vietnam
Experience the life of middle-class families in Hanoi 100 years ago
Not only can you see nearly 200 documents and artifacts, but you can also reincarnate and return to Hanoi in the past.
These days, there is a place, which is quite far from the center of Hanoi, but is the most searched destination on social networking sites. Regardless of weekday or weekend, rain or shine, many guests have visited Hanoi Museum.
According to the share of a museum employee: “The exhibition called Nep Xua has been on display since the end of 2022. However, thanks to the images shared on social networks recently, many people have come to visit. On weekdays, there will be few visitors in the morning, but in the afternoon, from 14:00 to more than 5 pm, even though it is ready to close, there are still many people waiting in line to rent costumes and take photos at the spaces.”
Return to Hanoi of the last century, experience middle-class family life
The Nep Xua exhibition is located on the first floor of the Hanoi Museum. The first impression to visitors is the image of an ancient village gate with water jars on both sides, reminiscent of the idyllic beauty of Hanoi in particular and Northern culture in general. Stepping through the gate, it seems that the noise is left behind, opening in front of the eyes is the space of Hanoi more than a decade ago.
According to the introduction, the exhibition will bring visitors back to the first half of the 20th century, when the French built administrative works according to French architecture, planned new neighborhoods and expanded Hanoi. Also from here, Western concepts and lifestyles were imported into the land of the capital, creating many changes. However, the traditional beauty and culture of the nation are still preserved.
The life of wealthy urban families in the last century took place in a 2-storey villa house with a 2nd floor for family activities. The first floor is the face of the family, usually arranged with functions: living room, worship room, dining room and possibly a bedroom.
The space introduces the architecture of ancient villas in Hanoi.
At this exhibition, there will be 4 spaces on display: living room, worship room, architectural introduction of villas and five-body dress. Not only illustrated through photographic materials, but there are up to 200 documents and artifacts, collected by the museum from home and abroad. In addition, each space is illustrated with a diagram, helping visitors have the most realistic view.
In the living room of middle-class families in Hanoi, there are often exquisitely placed wooden and antique furniture. In the center of the innermost part hangs a horizontal painting, painted in gold, and engraved with the words “Harmony” above, with the wish that the family always keep a happy and harmonious atmosphere. On the cabinet, there is a vase of water hyacinth painted with dragons, phoenixes and tamsons inlaid with pink conch according to the “two dragons adoring the moon” symbol. The two sides are pictures of quartet and couplets.
Next is the wooden crate, inlaid with pearls, which the old families used to sleep, eat, drink tea, and receive guests. Tables and chairs, antique cabinets and more ceramic pedestals, potted plants… Besides the traditional utensils, in the living room space, there are also some modern furniture, with French style such as: : fireplace, wall lights, ceiling fans, family awards…
The worship space is also the most solemn place, the center of each house. The most noticeable point is the carved, painted, and gold-plated altar. The throne and tablet are placed in the middle, surrounded by worship items such as incense bowls, trays, vases, candlesticks, made of bronze, ceramic, or lacquered wood. In addition, there are also more tables and chairs, copper tops, porcelain systems… and some utensils suitable for each family’s activities.
Friend Ly (2004, University of Natural Resources and Environment): “I’ve been following the Hanoi museum since last year because I saw a review of the photography angles outside the campus. I came here because I wanted to learn more. and save beautiful images with space. What impressed me the most was reading the lines about the memories of the aunts and uncles who used to live in the old houses in Hanoi.”
A space that recreates the activities of old Hanoians.
The museum is the link between traditional and modern culture
A group of friends drove from Xuan Mai, Hoa Binh to come because they liked Hanoi’s autumn, so when they knew that the exhibition at the museum was still open, they came to try it right away. As a rule, each five-piece suit will be rented for 30 minutes, so the two of you can both visit and take turns taking pictures.
Nguyen Chuc and Tran Ngoc Anh (Minh Khai, Hanoi): “Once, I went to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, but at the weekend, it was very crowded. When I waited for my turn, the rental was already sold out. So this time I invited a friend. go in the middle of the week and come from early afternoon to queue.. Similarly, today, I have read detailed information about ancient villas. Being dressed in antique clothes, going from the gate, entering each house, I feel like I am returning to that period, experiencing experience daily life, strumming, drinking tea or feeling the spiritual space in an old house.”
“Hanoi today is very different from Hanoi in the past, from architecture, streets, to area, that is due to the law of life. And to nurture love for Hanoi, it is necessary to have a good memory. , sweet memories. Understanding traditional culture, joining hands to preserve and follow suit will form new dynamic and cultural classes of Hanoians.” , the hope of those who made the Nep Xua exhibition.
The Nep Xua exhibition will be displayed in the near future at the Hanoi Museum until there is a new plan.
Address: Hanoi Museum, Pham Hung Street, Me Tri, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi.
Exhibition opening time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Free entrance ticket, motorbike parking: 5000 VND/car.
Costume rental: 30,000 VND/time. (Because the number is limited, each person is limited to 30 minutes).
($1=24,000 VND)
Photo: Internet (Vinlove.net)
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Experience the life of middle-class families in Hanoi 100 years ago
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