Vietnam Commemorates 50 Years of Unification with Interactive Exhibition in Hanoi

In the heart of Hanoi, a striking image from the past has been brought to life. The enlarged front page of Nhân Dân (People) newspaper, dated April 30, 1975, heralding the victory of the Hồ Chí Minh Campaign that liberated South Vietnam and reunified the nation, now stands prominently near the newspaper’s office on 71 Hàng Trống Street. This display marks the launch of a special interactive exhibition by Nhân Dân, part of a broader media campaign commemorating 50 years of national unification—a milestone of immense historical and cultural significance for Vietnam.

A Milestone Year of Remembrance

The exhibition is one of many events planned for 2025, a year packed with significant national anniversaries. As Lê Quốc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of Nhân Dân and Chairman of the Việt Nam Journalists’ Association, highlighted during the launch, Vietnam will also celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930), the 135th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh’s birth (May 19, 1890), and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam (September 2, 1945). Among these, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national unification stands out as a defining moment, symbolizing the end of decades of conflict and the beginning of a unified Vietnam.

Minh emphasized the meticulous preparation behind the media campaign, which has been in development for six months. The initiative spans all Nhân Dân publications, including the daily newspaper, Nhân Dân Weekend, Nhân Dân Monthly, and Thời Nay (Contemporary Affairs), as well as digital platforms. A dedicated website, accessible at a specialized URL, offers readers an immersive experience with sections like Critical Battles, Memories of National Unification, Việt Nam Today, and Nhân Dân Newspaper Reports Victory. Through vivid imagery, sound, and interactive storytelling, the platform aims to bridge the past and present, ensuring that the sacrifices and triumphs of 1975 resonate with new generations.

Technology Meets History

One of the exhibition’s most innovative features is its use of cutting-edge technology to engage visitors. A 3D interactive map, powered by augmented reality (AR), transports users to historic battlefields, capturing the intensity of campaigns like the Central Highlands and the culminating Hồ Chí Minh Campaign. Described by General Võ Nguyên Giáp, the Supreme Commander of the Việt Nam People’s Army, as “an unparalleled strategic conclusion,” the Hồ Chí Minh Campaign remains a source of national pride. Visitors can scan QR codes at the exhibition to access detailed graphics and narratives about these battles, blending historical education with modern interactivity.

For the first time, Nhân Dân has partnered with technology firms to implement 3D mapping technology, creating a dynamic visual experience. Additionally, a mobile screening project is planned to bring this interactive history lesson to schools across Vietnam. As Minh noted, “Historical stories that seem well-known still require a different experience, especially for the younger generation. There must be alternative ways to engage.” By taking the mobile 3D exhibition to educational institutions after the main campaign, Nhân Dân aims to instill a love for the homeland and impart crucial historical lessons to students who may otherwise view these events as distant chapters in textbooks.

A Public Space for Reflection

Located near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, a cultural and touristic hub in Hanoi, the exhibition is strategically placed to attract both local residents and visitors. It features 11 enlarged front pages of Nhân Dân from April 30 across various years—1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020—showcasing how the newspaper has chronicled the nation’s journey over five decades. This is the first time such a large-scale display has been hosted at this iconic location, making history accessible to a wider audience.

The exhibition, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 4, offers more than just static displays. It recounts pivotal military campaigns, from the Central Highlands to the final push in 1975, providing a comprehensive look at the struggles that led to unification. Veterans and younger visitors alike have been spotted engaging with the interactive elements, a testament to the exhibition’s broad appeal. For many, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure Vietnam’s independence and unity.

Official Recognition and Broader Impact

State Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân attended the launch, commending Nhân Dân for its thorough preparations and innovative approach. “This is the first time a large-scale exhibition will be held at the Nhân Dân newspaper headquarters facing Hoàn Kiếm Lake, aimed at attracting a large number of local residents and tourists” she said. She praised the newspaper’s efforts as a continuation of its pioneering role in Vietnam’s revolutionary press, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility in highlighting the country’s defining moments.

Vice President Xuân expressed confidence that the campaign would carry profound political and social significance. “It will contribute to promoting and educating the patriotic traditions and the spirit of national unity among all generations of Vietnamese people, creating strong motivation for the country to enter a new era—an era of prosperous and thriving development” she added. Her words underscore the broader goal of the initiative: not just to commemorate the past, but to inspire a forward-looking vision for Vietnam’s future.

A Nation Reflects on Its Past and Future

The 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s unification is more than a historical marker; it is a moment of national introspection. The Nhân Dân exhibition captures this duality—honoring the past while leveraging modern tools to ensure its lessons endure. For older generations, the display evokes memories of struggle and triumph. For the youth, it offers a tangible connection to a history they did not live through, presented in a format that speaks to their digital-native sensibilities.

Beyond the exhibition, the broader media campaign by Nhân Dân signals Vietnam’s commitment to preserving its cultural and historical identity amid rapid modernization. The integration of AR and 3D technology reflects a growing trend in how nations commemorate their past, blending education with engagement to reach diverse audiences. If successful, this model could set a precedent for future commemorative events, not just in Vietnam but across the region, where history often serves as a unifying force.

Yet, questions linger about the long-term impact of such initiatives. Will the younger generation, increasingly shaped by global influences, sustain the same fervor for national history? And how will Vietnam balance the celebration of its past with the challenges of its future—economic disparities, environmental concerns, and geopolitical tensions? As the country marks this historic milestone, the exhibition at Hoàn Kiếm Lake stands as both a tribute and a call to action, urging all Vietnamese to carry forward the spirit of unity that defined 1975.

For now, the courtyard of Nhân Dân’s headquarters remains a space of reflection and pride. As visitors—veterans, students, and tourists—interact with the vivid recreations of Vietnam’s past, they are reminded of a simple yet powerful truth: a nation’s strength lies in its ability to remember, honor, and learn from its history.