On November 1, the opening ceremony of the Photo Hanoi ’25 International Photography Biennale took place at the 22 Hang Buom Center for Art and Culture. This is an event that honors photography through a vibrant and captivating month-long series of international creative photography activities (from November 1 to 30), across Hanoi.
Panorama of the ceremony Photo: Organizing Committee
The Photo Hanoi ’25 International Photography Biennale is an event organized by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Embassy of France in Vietnam; implemented by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and the French Institute in Vietnam, with the companionship of the UNESCO Office in Hanoi and a network of domestic and international partners. The event aims to honor photography as a universal language of humanity, and at the same time a powerful means to admire, perceive and connect.
Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Member of the Hanoi Party Committee, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, speaking at the opening ceremony
Photo: Organizing Committee
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Member of the Hanoi Party Committee, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, said that the Photo Hanoi ’25 – International Photography Biennale is a valuable occasion for the public and photography art lovers, especially young people, to experience and practice photography and gain access to fresh and engaging perspectives on contemporary photography in Vietnam and internationally; contributing to introducing and promoting the image of the country and people of the Capital through photographic art, creating a large, vibrant and impressive international photography culture festival space in the Capital.
“Hanoi has always attached great importance to strengthening cultural exchange activities between Hanoi and France in particular, as well as with other countries and international organizations participating in this project. We are committed to continuing close cooperation with you in researching, building and implementing new cooperation projects and linkage programs between Hanoi and creative cities, thereby actively contributing to promoting cultural exchange and fostering solidarity and friendship between the Government and people of Vietnam and countries in the region and the world,” Ms. Bach Lien Huong emphasized.
Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, speaking at the opening ceremony
Photo: Organizing Committee
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative in Vietnam, stated that Photo Hanoi ’25 reflects the vision of Hanoi as a UNESCO Creative City, where creativity is not confined to institutions but is alive, experienced and spread throughout the entire urban life. This event demonstrates the values that can be created when artists, communities, authorities and international partners join hands to build a dynamic, open and inclusive cultural space.
After two previous editions (in 2021 and 2023), this year Photo Hanoi ’25 is larger in scale and scope with many rich and engaging activities taking place from November 1 to 30, attracting participation from more than 170 artists, photographers, curators and experts from 21 countries, along with 25 professional organizations. Within the event framework, there are 22 displays and exhibitions and 28 side activities (talks, discussions, book launches, film screenings, art tours and photography practice activities taking place at 20 cultural spaces across the Capital).
Photo Hanoi ’25 is also a visually diverse feast for the general public and domestic and international visitors through exhibitions stretching from historical memory and urban landscapes to global issues such as climate change and the relationship between humans and nature… The exhibitions are held at the Exhibition House 45 Trang Tien, Exhibition House 93 Dinh Tien Hoang, 22 Hang Buom Center for Art and Culture, No. 2 Le Thai To, 49 Tran Hung Dao, the French Institute in Vietnam, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, Casa Italia, Vincom Center for Contemporary Art (VCCA)… and public spaces such as Dien Hong flower garden, the areas around Hoan Kiem Lake, the walls of the Temple of Literature relic site, and the facade of the French Embassy …
Opening of the exhibition “Nostalgia for Cities”
On this occasion, the exhibition “Nostalgia for Cities” was opened at the 22 Hang Buom Center for Art and Culture. Inspired by the concept that every city is a living and ever-changing entity, the artworks delve into the ways collective memory is formed over time. The exhibition brings together 31 talented photographers and visual artists from Vietnam and abroad with 300 works. “Nostalgia for Cities” opens a dialogue between cities in the intersection of culture, history and art, offering rich experiences of the unique identities of each locality. The exhibition not only looks back at the past but also inspires everyone to continue writing their own cherished memories of the places they hold dear. The exhibition runs until November 30.
Duc Minh