Reviving cultural heritage with technology

On May 16, people and tourists coming to the National Museum of History, Hanoi had many interesting surprises when enjoying the special thematic exhibition "Dance of Zen - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology". Along with typical artifacts, selected from the Buddhist heritage of the Ly Dynasty currently preserved at the National Museum of History such as: Phoenix head, Dragon-carved Bodhi leaf, Artifacts from a part of the tower model..., the most unique values of Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty became alive through interpretations and projections using 3D mapping, hologram, digital revival, gauze projection techniques...

Regarding this event, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the National Museum of History, said that the thematic exhibition "Zen Dance - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology" is a meaningful activity, organized by the National Museum of History in coordination with the Institute of Asian Civilizations Studies, CMYK Vietnam Co., Ltd. on the occasion of International Museum Day and Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18, 2025), commemorating the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh.

Reviving cultural heritage with technology -0 — Applying technology helps visitors better understand the artistic value of the Ly Dynasty through the phoenix head artifact.

Reviving cultural heritage with technology -1 — Dragon decorative artifacts on display at the National Museum of History.

According to Mr. Doan, in the history of nearly 2,000 years of development since its introduction to Vietnam, Buddhism has had a lasting and profound influence on all aspects of social life. During the Ly Dynasty, Dai Viet was a developed and prosperous country in the region, Buddhism became the official ideology, strongly influencing history, culture and art. Vietnamese Buddhism has left behind many unique cultural heritages including the space system, pagoda architecture, sculptures, statues, pottery, literature, music and many Buddhist rituals, contributing significantly to the rich and unique art treasure of the nation.

The exhibits presented at the exhibition “Dance of Zen - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology” contain the most unique values of Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty. The use of digital technology in the exhibition contributes to the restoration, regeneration and revival of these extremely valuable cultural heritages, while bringing visitors new, deeper and more attractive experiences, thereby appreciating more traditional cultural values, raising awareness of preserving and promoting national cultural values.

Buddhist art of the Ly Dynasty (11th - 13th century) is the pinnacle of Dai Viet fine arts. The unique combination of Zen spirit and indigenous culture, royal and folk art creates a unique style. Through the thematic exhibition "Thien Mon Dance - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology", viewers have the opportunity to learn more about the artistic values of the Ly Dynasty in pagoda and tower architecture, sculpture, ceramic art, music and dance. The organizers said that reviving cultural heritage is extremely difficult, requiring a lot of effort. From the motifs, designs and patterns on artifacts, researchers apply technology, synthesize many research results to restore and recreate cultural heritage vividly and accurately.

Through interpretation and projection using technological techniques, viewers have the opportunity to learn about the architectural art of the Ly Dynasty with many "national temples" such as One Pillar Pagoda, Bao Thien Tower, Dam Pagoda, Phat Tich Pagoda, Long Doi Pagoda... Also thanks to technology, viewers understand better the techniques of making round statues, reliefs, embossed carvings, openwork carvings... in sculptures; decorative techniques with typical patterns related to Buddhism such as lotus flowers, chrysanthemums, phoenixes, dragons, dancers... in pottery; unique musical and dance art of the Ly Dynasty with a unique combination of religious rituals, folk traditions and royal art...

The exhibition “Zen Dance - Buddhist Art of the Ly Dynasty: Heritage and Technology” will run until July 2025.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Chuyen-dong-van-hoa/hoi-sinh-di-san-van-hoa-bang-cong-nghe-i768576/