Slow-motion footage of history and national pride.

Việt Nam•08/05/2024

The panoramic painting " Dien Bien Phu Campaign" has a total area of 3,225 ^m² , and is incredibly majestic and detailed.

Genuine emotions

One day before the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, veteran Tran Quang Trieu returned from Ho Chi Minh City, carrying with him the heroic memories and an unceasing longing for his comrades. After a "reunion" with his fellow soldiers from the trenches, brothers who had fought side-by-side and now lie buried in this land, Mr. Trieu, overcome with emotion, entered the exhibition space displaying the panoramic painting "The Dien Bien Phu Campaign." All the images of those arduous days, the near-death experiences, yet still filled with heroic spirit and unity, came flooding back like a slow-motion film.

Mr. Trieu emotionally shared: “The painting is very complete, very beautiful and meaningful, fully recreating the stages of the Campaign; the life and fighting of those on the front lines; and the hardships, sacrifices, and contributions of the people of all ethnic groups. Looking at each vivid brushstroke, I feel as if I and my comrades are in that frame, 70 years ago, disregarding life and death to attack the enemy. I miss my brothers so much, some are still alive, some have passed away. The more I look at the details, the more I feel a pang of sadness, but I am also always proud that Dien Bien Phu resounded throughout the world , and I see the dedication and sacrifice of our generation as even more valuable.”

Our soldiers, overcoming all difficulties to drag artillery through the jungle to the battlefield, are depicted through drawings.

Not only those who directly participated in the Campaign, and visitors from afar who come to admire it once, but also the people of Dien Bien, even after seeing the painting many times, still feel the same sense of pride and awe. Mr. Nguyen Nam Khanh (Dien Bien Phu City) said: “As a local, I have visited the Museum and the panoramic painting of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign many times. But each time I see the painting with my own eyes, I am filled with even more pride in my homeland, in the spirit and courage of the nation, and gratitude to the previous generations who dedicated themselves to the Fatherland and made glorious history. For me, no amount of paper and pen would be enough to describe this painting.”

Epic of history

This panoramic painting recreates the Dien Bien Phu Campaign through meticulously crafted and passionate images, seamlessly and vividly interconnected, giving viewers a complete, intuitive, and engaging perspective.

The handfuls of white rice and wild bamboo shoots provided strength to our soldiers going into battle.

Ms. Vu Thi Tuyet Nga, Director of the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum, introduced: “The panoramic painting of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign is one of only three large circular paintings in the world. It is also the first and only panoramic painting in Vietnam, and the largest in Southeast Asia. In particular, this is a work of art on a historical theme. The painting depicts typical moments and events of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954 – known throughout the world.”

The painting, created by nearly 200 artists using oil paint on canvas, spans 360 degrees and covers a total area of 3,225 square meters. It depicts over 4,500 figures amidst the heroic and fierce battles of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield, against a backdrop of a blue sky, symbolizing the aspiration for peace. The painting is structured into four sections: "The Entire Nation Goes to War," "The Epic Prelude," "The Historic Confrontation," and "The Triumphal March Celebrating Victory."

The panoramic painting depicting the "Dien Bien Phu Campaign" attracts many tourists every day.

Through detailed imagery and artistic intent, the film portrays the strength of unity of the Vietnamese people, a portrait of an entire generation with thousands and tens of thousands of people who dedicated themselves to a great battle for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. The highlight of segment 2 is the reenactment of the glorious opening battle at the Him Lam Resistance Center, demonstrating the unwavering determination to achieve victory. Segment 3 evokes strong emotions with the ferocity of the war, particularly the second offensive, especially the battle at A1 stronghold. Finally, the triumphant victory is celebrated at the historic moment of 5:30 PM on May 7, 1954, when the "Determined to Fight, Determined to Win" flag flies atop General De Castries' bunker. The Dien Bien Phu victory forced the French government to sign the Geneva Accords, ending the nine-year long resistance war against France by the Vietnamese people. It also inspired anti-colonialism and national liberation movements throughout the world.

Regarding that epic painting, the Museum Director added: “Since 2021, the panorama has been received, managed, and operated by the museum to serve visitors, attracting a large number of tourists to admire it, significantly contributing to increasing the number of visitors to the Museum. The painting has also won many major awards in painting and art. Therefore, the staff of the Museum are even more honored and strive to promote the value of the painting; to do a good job of managing, protecting, and preserving it so that its special value can spread to a wider audience. Along with that, we will explore and innovate to promote and serve visitors even better.”

With its vast size, intricate details, and over 4,500 characters, the painting is overwhelming and evokes a wide range of emotions in viewers.

Accordingly, to accommodate the large number of visitors during the national tourism year and the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, from April 1st to May 31st, the Museum will be open to visitors every Friday and Saturday evening from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. On May 6th and 7th (Monday and Tuesday), the Museum will also be open in the evening to allow delegates, visitors, and local people attending the anniversary celebrations more time to explore.

With its majestic imagery, considered a masterpiece of art, and the professional efforts of the Museum, the panorama of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign has evoked many emotions in viewers, spreading national spirit and helping today's generation to further cherish historical values and the great contributions and sacrifices of their ancestors.

Since April 2022, when the painting was put into operation, the number of visitors to the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum has increased to 120,700 in 2022 and 155,675 in 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, the Museum welcomed over 70,000 visitors. During the period leading up to the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the number of visitors to the Museum and the panorama reached 3,000-5,000 per day, peaking at 7,000 per day .

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