The old quarter with crisscross streets, heaved houses, dark brown tiled roofs, aged-old mould and moss-covered walls have been imbedded in many Hanoians’memories from generation to generation. The images which have shaped the soul and essence of a thousand-year city seem to be left over only in former Hanoians, but with the birth of the Centre for Cultural Exchange of Ha Noi Old Quarter, the young generation of Ha Noi have had an opportunity to experience romantic and simple beauties of the former Ha Noi.
The Centre for Cultural Exchange of Ha Noi Old Quarter is the project formulated within the framework of cooperation between Ha Noi and Toulouse (France) on heritage conservation of Ha Noi Old Quarter, which was officially inaugurated on the 2nd February, 2015. It has been put into operation in just one year, but it has been becoming an attractive site for both the city folks and foreign tourists. Situated at No.50 premises of the ancient street Dao Duy Tu, Ha Noi, the Centre is not only the venue for cultural heritage conservation, but also the meeting point and promotion of the city’s cultural beauties among the public.
Separated from the city’s boisterousness, the Centre for Cultural Exchange of Ha Noi Old Quarter has yet to be deprived of the attractiveness from the cultural and historical traditions. With Toulouse architects’ assistance, the works has been built new in modern style while maintaining unique features of the old streets’ space. The premises consist of 3 main levels and 1 basement, with the total floor areas of 1,265 square meters, located on the land area of 458 square meters. The two lower levels are used for display and exhibiting activities, while the third storey’s design is suitable to art performances, meetings and conferences. Proper to the nature of exchange, this space is made open, whereby presentations and roundtables on the cultures of Ha Noi will be organized. Apart from that, the Mangement Board of Ha Noi Old Quarter have additionally held a number of traditional music performances. According to the professionals’ judgement, these regular-based activities are extremely valuable and useful in creating cultural authenticities of the old street quarter.
Since its establishment, the Centre has organized a series of events, with the aim of introducing to visitors about ancient memories and old streets i.e. exhibitions of “An ancient Ha Noi”, “ A town dweller – ancient streets” and “Ha Noi – a living museum” by artist Nguyen The son. More particular is the programme titled “ A music story about the old quarter”, which has been recovered in the old performing style, as such singers and musicians are sitting on sedge mats, plainly singing and playing instruments without any support of equipments like micro, speakers, etc.. so as to keep intact the fineness of the original musics. To play at the Centre for Cultural Exchange of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter, a relatively perfect stage, this old performing style is increasingly having more chances to show off all of its uniquenesses. This is a plain stage located right in the heart of the old street quarter, existing for a very long time and used to be the performing venue of many art troupes in Thang Long – old Ha Noi. Thus, it is of great significance in awakening and preserving the ancient cultural creams of Thang Long – old Ha Noi.
The Centre opens until 22.00hrs during weekends. Due to its opening schedules coincide with the operation of three – day walking streets, it has been drawing lots of visitors, especially the youth. This Centre is not only the site to conserve, but propagandize the cultural images of the old Ha Noi street quarter to the public and visitors, particularly foreign tourists. Asides from the displayed photos translated in English and French, the Centre has arranged guides fluent in foregn languages to help visitors understand more about Ha Noi’s culture in a truthful and lively manner.
The Centre for Cultural Exchange of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter is really a valuable space in service of the public activities, a rarely relaxing and meaningful stop, positively contributing to the enhancement of cultural values of the old street quarter.
Tourists visiting exhibitions at the Centre
Display areas at the Centre
Nguyen Ngoc