On the occasion of International Museum Day and Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18, 2025), commemorating the 135th anniversary (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2025) of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, the National Museum of History in collaboration with the Asian Civilization Research Institute and CMYK Vietnam Co., Ltd. organized the thematic exhibition "Zen Dance - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology". The exhibition will take place from May 16, 2025 to July 2025.

Buddhist art during the Ly Dynasty (11th - 13th century) was the pinnacle of Dai Viet fine arts, a unique combination of Zen spirit and indigenous culture, royal and folk art creating a unique style:

1. The art of pagoda architecture

During the Ly Dynasty (1009 - 1225), Buddhism flourished and was highly valued by the royal court. Typical of these were the "national temples" built such as the One Pillar Pagoda, Bao Thien Tower, Dam Pagoda, Phat Tich Pagoda, Long Doi Pagoda... The architecture of pagodas and towers during the Ly Dynasty was not only a religious structure but also an artistic work expressing Buddhist philosophy and advanced techniques, imbued with Vietnamese identity and at the same time expressing the absorption of foreign cultural elements.

2. Sculpture

The art of Buddhist sculpture during the Ly Dynasty reached its peak with the harmonious combination of Zen Buddhism, royal art and folk culture, creating a style that was graceful yet majestic, sacred yet intimate. The sculptures of the Ly Dynasty, with the techniques of making round statues, reliefs, embossments, and openwork carvings, were created in soft, graceful, balanced, harmonious, highly stylized shapes but still retained their natural features.

3. Art on pottery

Ceramics in Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty with ivory white glaze, brown glaze, brown flower, and jade glaze. The main decorative techniques are intaglio engraving, unique enameling, printing molds, embossing... with typical patterns related to Buddhism: lotus, chrysanthemum, phoenix, dragon, dancer...

4. Music and dance arts

The art of Buddhist music and dance during the Ly Dynasty was a unique combination of religious rituals, folk traditions and royal art, creating a unique musical and dance heritage imbued with national identity. During the Ly Dynasty, Buddhism was the national religion, music and dance became a means of spreading teachings and practicing rituals; musical instruments and melodies were influenced by major cultures such as India and China but were deeply Vietnamized. Buddhist rituals were solemnly held with solemn music under the patronage of the royal court.

With 14 typical artifacts, selected from the Ly Dynasty Buddhist heritage preserved at the National History Museum, containing the most unique values ​​of Ly Dynasty Buddhist art, with interpretations and projections using 3D mapping, hologram, digital revival, gauze projection techniques... through the use of digital technology, the exhibition aims to contribute to the restoration, regeneration and revival of extremely valuable cultural heritages, hoping to bring visitors new, deeper and more attractive experiences. Thereby, helping the public to understand more deeply and appreciate traditional cultural values, contributing to raising awareness of preserving and promoting national cultural values.