On November 1, the opening ceremony of the Photo Hanoi ’25 International Photography Biennale took place at the Cultural and Arts Center, 22 Hang Buom Street. This event celebrates photography through a diverse and captivating month-long series of international photographic art activities (from November 1 to 30) across Hanoi.
View of the opening ceremony – Photo: Organizing Committee
The Photo Hanoi ’25 International Photography Biennale is jointly 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 support 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 as a powerful means of contemplation, perception, and connection.
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 and Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, stated that the Photo Hanoi ’25 – International Photography Biennale is a great opportunity for the public and photography enthusiasts, especially young people, to experience and practice photography, and to approach fresh and engaging perspectives on contemporary photography in Vietnam and around the world. The event also contributes to promoting the image of the country and people of the Capital through the lens of photographic art, creating a grand, vibrant, and deeply impressive international photography and cultural festival in Hanoi.
“Hanoi always values the strengthening of cultural exchange between Hanoi and the Republic of France in particular, as well as with other countries and international partner organizations in this project. We are committed to continuing to enhance close cooperation with our friends in researching, developing, and implementing new collaborative projects and partnership programs between Hanoi and creative cities, thereby contributing positively to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening the 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 Chief Representative in Vietnam, speaking at the opening ceremony
Photo: Organizing Committee
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam, noted that Photo Hanoi ’25 reflects Hanoi’s vision as a UNESCO Creative City, where creativity is not confined within institutions but is lived, experienced, and spread throughout the urban fabric. This event demonstrates the values that can be created when artists, communities, government, and international partners join hands to build a vibrant, open, and inclusive cultural space.
After two previous editions (in 2021 and 2023), this year’s Photo Hanoi ’25 is larger in scale and scope, featuring diverse and engaging activities taking place from November 1 to 30. The event gathers more than 170 artists, photographers, curators, and experts from 21 countries, along with 25 professional organizations. Within the framework of the Biennale, there are 22 exhibitions and displays, as well as 28 accompanying activities (talks, discussions, book launches, film screenings, art tours, and hands-on photography experiences) taking place at 20 cultural venues throughout the Capital.
Photo Hanoi ’25 also offers a vibrant visual feast for the public and visitors, both domestic and international, through exhibitions spanning historical memory, urban landscapes, and global issues such as climate change and the relationship between humans and nature. The exhibitions are held at venues such as 45 Trang Tien Exhibition House, 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Exhibition House, 22 Hang Buom Cultural and Arts Center, 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 Garden, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the walls of the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, and the façade of the French Embassy…
Opening of the exhibition “Nostalgia for Cities”
On this occasion, the exhibition “Nostalgia for Cities” also opened at the Cultural and Arts Center, 22 Hang Buom Street. Inspired by the idea that each city is a living, ever-changing entity, the works delve into how collective memories are formed over time. The exhibition brings together 31 talented photographers and visual artists from Vietnam and abroad, showcasing 300 works. “Nostalgia for Cities” opens a dialogue among cities in the intersection of culture, history, and art, offering a rich experience of the unique identities of each locality. The exhibition not only revisits the past but also inspires each person to continue writing their own memories of the places they cherish. The exhibition runs until November 30.
Duc Minh