Understanding Con Dao - The epic in the middle of the ocean in the online 3D exhibition

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024), an online 3D exhibition took place: "Con Dao - Epic in the middle of the ocean" in both Vietnamese and English.

Painting of Con Dao prisoners listening to the radio in their cells. (Source: Con Dao National Monuments Conservation Center)

Con Dao National Monument Conservation Center, Department of Culture and Sports of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in coordination with National Archives Center I, Department of State Records and Archives organized

The exhibition introduces more than 300 unique documents, images and artifacts selected from the National Archives Centers under the State Records and Archives Department, the Con Dao National Monuments Conservation Center and other collections.

The history of Con Dao's formation and development will be recreated in the exhibition, with a focus on the prison system - clear evidence of the brutality of two wars to defend the country but also a symbol of the resilient spirit and strong will to study of Vietnamese communist soldiers.

The exhibition also contributes to raising awareness of the significance and importance of seas and islands for national security and sustainable development.

According to Ms. Le Hang, an officer of the National Archives Center I, the exhibition is divided into three parts: Con Dao in the early days; Con Dao Prison - From hell on earth to a school of revolutionary struggle; Con Dao - From heroic history to a tourist paradise.

Part 1 introduces archaeological relics and artifacts from the Prehistoric and Early Historic periods, showing the presence and exploration of ancient Vietnamese people thousands of years ago in Con Dao. This is also a milestone affirming the nation's territorial sovereignty in the East Sea.

Images displayed in the exhibition. (Source: Organizing Committee)

During the Nguyen Lords and Nguyen Dynasty, Con Dao entered a new period of development. The Nguyen Lords established control over the archipelago in the late 17th century, and during the Nguyen Dynasty, they recruited residents, supported settlement, developed the economy, and used the island as a place to detain prisoners, consolidating control of this strategic sea area.

In part 2, the public will witness a painful Con Dao during the French colonial period and the American imperialist invasion, where thousands of revolutionary soldiers and patriotic compatriots were exiled, but it was also here that many resistance movements and struggles for independence were formed. The exhibition will recreate the activities of some prominent movements such as the anti-secession movement, the movement against flag salutes, the movement against changing sentences, and the movement to protect the integrity of loyal communist soldiers who created a "school of revolutionary struggle" right in the prison.

Part 3 will help the public better understand the dramatic transformation of Con Dao, from a "hell on earth" to a tourist paradise.

The exhibition is held online in both Vietnamese and English. The public can access the exhibition from December 11 on the website of the Con Dao National Monuments Conservation Center and the National Archives Center I.

The opening ceremony took place at 4:00 p.m. on December 11 at Con Dao Museum, Con Dao district, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hieu-ve-con-dao-ban-hung-ca-giua-trung-khoi-trong-trien-lam-3d-truc-tuyen-296550.html