Biennale Photo Hanoi '25 returns, reviving the creative space of the capital city.

In November, Hanoi will officially enter the “golden season” of international photography with the Photo Hanoi ’25 event. More than just a series of exhibitions, this event is expected to become a launching pad, putting the capital Hanoi on the map of Asian artistic creativity.

A multinational, diverse artistic playground.

Building on the success of the previous two seasons, Photo Hanoi '25 witnessed a significant leap in scale, bringing together a formidable creative force. The event featured over 170 artists, photographers, curators, and experts from 21 countries, along with 25 partner organizations. This number not only demonstrates the event's stature but also confirms its growing appeal within the international art community.

Biennale Photo Hanoi '25 will take place from November 1st to 30th, 2025.

Throughout November, the public will enjoy a diverse art feast with 22 completely free solo and group photography exhibitions, along with 29 side events ranging from workshops, art tours, and film screenings to portfolio reviews. The richness of the exhibitions and side activities reflects an effort to bring photography beyond the confines of traditional exhibition spaces, making art an integral part of urban life. The free nature of all events also demonstrates an open, community-oriented spirit, making contemporary art more accessible to the public. This is not only an opportunity for viewers to appreciate art, but also a chance for dialogue, to collectively understand photography as a way of storytelling, preserving, and recreating life through visual language.

Art permeates every corner of life.

One of the most distinctive features of Photo Hanoi '25 is its move to bring art out of enclosed spaces, transforming the entire city into a vibrant "photography museum." Besides familiar locations like the 45 Trang Tien Exhibition House, 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, the French-Vietnamese Institute, and the Vincom Contemporary Art Center (VCCA), the public will encounter artworks in prominent public spaces such as Dien Hong Flower Garden, Hoan Kiem Lake, the walls of the Temple of Literature, and the facade of the French Embassy. Bringing art out of traditional exhibition spaces not only helps bridge the gap between artists and the public but also contributes to refreshing the urban landscape. Photographs placed amidst daily life transform passersby into art enthusiasts, making photography no longer the exclusive domain of the creative elite but a relatable and evocative voice about the culture, memories, and people of Hanoi .

The themes of Photo Hanoi '25 have broadened, reflecting contemporary issues. From historical memories and Hanoi's urban landscapes to pressing global issues such as climate change and the relationship between humans and nature, this approach elevates photography beyond the realm of a purely artistic form, transforming it into a profound storytelling language about society and humanity.

Hanoi's cultural meeting point.

This event is not only a cultural festival, but also a vivid testament to the power of international cooperation and the cultural vision of the Capital. At the press conference launching Photo Hanoi '25, Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, emphasized: “Photo Hanoi '25 demonstrates Hanoi's strong commitment to implementing cultural initiatives and projects within the framework of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network through organizing events associated with diversifying forms of artistic creation; promoting international cooperation and cultural integration between Hanoi and countries in the region and the world; and making a significant contribution to making Hanoi a regional creative center.”

Ms. Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, speaks at the press conference. Photo: NGO THOM

Behind this success lies a strong network of international partners. Eric Soulier, Director of the French Institute in Vietnam, stated that Photo Hanoi is not merely a cultural event, but the result of years of close cooperation, dialogue, and trust between France and Vietnam. It also demonstrates the growing strength of the artistic communities and creative organizations from both countries. The support of embassies, cultural centers, and prominent art organizations has elevated the status and professional quality of the event, affirming Hanoi's position on the global creative map.

Photo Hanoi '25 is more than just a month-long art festival. It's laying the foundation for a future where Hanoi will be an unmissable destination for contemporary photography. The event opens doors of opportunity for Vietnamese artists to stand alongside their international counterparts, learn from each other, and forge cross-border collaborations.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/biennale-photo-hanoi-25-tro-lai-danh-thuc-khong-gian-sang-tao-cua-thu-do-908329