THE HANOI TIMES — Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha on August 6 inspected preparations for the plaque installation ceremony and the opening of the exhibition at the 48 Hang Ngang historical site, where President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence, marking the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha offers incense in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the 48 Hang Ngang memorial site, honoring his immense contributions to the nation. Photos: Hanoi Portal
The event is a central feature in Hanoi’s program commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).
During the visit, Vice Chairwoman Vu Thu Ha stressed the profound historical significance of the 48 Hang Ngang site.
“The plaque installation and exhibition are not only part of the city's anniversary celebrations, but also an opportunity to promote patriotism, inspire national pride, and bring the site’s cultural and historical values closer to both residents and visitors,” Ha said.
After reviewing the exhibition areas, reception rooms, and designated pathways for guests and delegates, Ha emphasized the need for clearly labeled and well-explained displays using language accessible to a wide audience.
She also highlighted the importance of striking a thoughtful balance between traditional elements and modern technology.
The senior official during an inspection at the site.
“Selected images and materials should effectively capture the historical context and atmosphere of the site, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its cultural depth and national significance as the place where the Declaration of Independence was drafted,” she noted.
Ha also stressed the importance of orderly and welcoming reception areas, with clear directional signage to ensure smooth visitor flow. Sanitation facilities, floors, and walkways must be neat and well-maintained. The ceremonial space should reflect solemnity without being overly elaborate. Decorative items should be appropriate in scale, with colors that complement the overall ambiance of the site.
The exhibition at the 48 Hang Ngang historical site has been designed around three overarching themes.
The senior official urged the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, along with relevant agencies, to thoroughly review and complete all remaining tasks, ensuring the program stays on schedule and meets both quality and ceremonial standards. S
She placed particular emphasis on the presentation of the exhibition, which should be engaging, easy to navigate, visually appealing, and capable of sparking historical interest.
According to Pham Xuan Tai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the plaque installation ceremony and exhibition opening are scheduled for the morning of August 18, 2025, at the 48 Hang Ngang site in Hoan Kiem Ward.
The 48 Hang Ngang historical site is where President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The exhibition will explore three key themes: (i) The house at 48 Hang Ngang and the patriotic bourgeois family of Trinh Van Bo and Hoang Thi Minh Ho; (2) The historical context and drafting of the Declaration of Independence; (3) The significance of the Declaration and the ongoing journey to safeguard national independence.
Modern technology will be incorporated throughout the exhibition, including 3D light displays and interactive simulations, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the original artifacts. This approach reflects current trends in digital transformation and innovation in heritage education.
“The plaque installation and exhibition at 48 Hang Ngang are among the key events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of the August Revolution and National Day,” said Tai. “With strong leadership, collaboration across departments, and careful planning, this program promises to leave a lasting impression on delegates, residents, and international guests alike.”
| The house at 48 Hang Ngang, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Trinh Van Bo, is located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, once a bustling commercial center and now part of Hoan Kiem Ward. The house has two entrances, one at 48 Hang Ngang Street and the other at 35 Hang Can Street. Thanks to its strategic location and its role as a revolutionary base during the pre-uprising period, the house was selected by the Central Committee of the Communist Party as the residence and workplace of President Ho Chi Minh upon his return to Hanoi from the Viet Bac revolutionary base in August 1945. President Ho Chi Minh worked at this house from August 25 until early September 1945. During this period, he and the Party’s Standing Committee made several key decisions on domestic and foreign affairs in response to the new political context, including the structure and composition of the new government and the organization of the Independence Day celebration. In a room on the second floor of this house, President Ho Chi Minh drafted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The house at 48 Hang Ngang was officially recognized as a Historical and Cultural Relic on April 29, 1979. |