The historical record preserves the legacy of scholarship and the journey to reawaken the scholarly heritage.

Kinhtedothi - The 82 doctoral steles at Van Mieu National University are not only invaluable documentary heritage of the nation but also a special cultural resource, being exploited in a way that combines preserving original values ​​with the application of digital technology, aiming to spread the spirit of learning and the tradition of academic achievement in contemporary life.

The Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center is organizing the opening of an exhibition on historical stone records at the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám National Special Monument (Hanoi). This is a practical activity to celebrate the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to welcome the Year of the Horse 2026, and to commemorate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quoc Tu Giám - the first national school of Vietnam.

The exhibition "History inscribed on stone" showcases documents and artifacts derived from the historical, ideological, and artistic values ​​of the 82 steles commemorating doctoral graduates at the Temple of Literature - National University.

Dr. Le Xuan Kieu (Director of the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Cultural and Scientific Activities Center) stated: “The exhibition 'History of the Stone Steles' was created by the staff of the Center, with professional support from Vietnamese experts and experts from the Republic of France. Through this collaboration, we have together recounted the story of the 82 doctoral steles, from the king who erected them, the examinations, the scholarly families and villages, to the prominent figures associated with the education system, examinations, and national governance during the monarchical era, thereby contributing to the formation and enrichment of the nation's cultural foundation.”

The exhibition space is designed based on an artistic dialogue between two main materials: paper and stone – symbols of the journey from learning and training to honoring and preserving the legacy for posterity. The transition between these two materials reflects the desire of the monarchical dynasties to "immortalize" the veneration of the intellectual elite.

The exhibition content is structured around four themes: an overview of the Confucian examination-based education system; the principles of selecting, rewarding, and valuing successful candidates; and portraits of some prominent figures who made significant contributions to education and various other fields of the country.

Through this exhibition space, visitors can not only discover the documentary value of the inscriptions but also see that each doctoral stele is truly a work of art carved in stone, with many soft and extremely exquisite lines.

In addition to traditional exhibition methods, the organizers also applied digital technology and projection technology to "awaken" ancient texts, transforming historical documents into vivid and emotionally rich images. This helps the public access Vietnam's scholarly heritage in a more visual and modern way.

The doctoral steles record the names of a total of 1,307 doctoral graduates from 82 examinations, demonstrating the scale, scope, and continuity of the examination system across many dynasties, while affirming the role of education in national governance and development during the feudal era. This system of steles is considered a historical record in stone, reflecting the concept of valuing talent, upholding scholarship, and the responsibility of successful candidates towards society, the country, and the court.

The exhibition contributes to renewing the way heritage stories are told, spreading the spirit of "touching history, exploring heritage," helping the public to more vividly access the contributions of our ancestors to the cause of education and talent development, while also recognizing the enduring values ​​of traditional scholarship in contemporary life.

The exhibition is closely linked to existing exhibits such as "Quoc Tu Giam, the First National School" and "The Origins of Learning," forming a unified whole within the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam heritage site. This allows the public to systematically and deeply access the history of the site's formation and development, as well as the typical achievements of Vietnam's education system under the monarchy.

The "Stone History of Remembrance" is not merely an exhibition, but a visual and emotional journey, recreating the long and arduous path by which knowledge is cultivated, talent is tested, and the names of wise and virtuous individuals are inscribed in stone, preserving their legacy through the ages.

From the strokes of pen on paper to the inscriptions on stone tablets, the exhibition conveys a timeless message: The tradition of valuing education and respecting talent is a persistent source that nourishes the vitality of culture and the future of the nation.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/su-da-luu-danh-and-hanh-trinh-danh-thuc-di-san-khoa-bang.980697.html