Vietnam is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone with an extensive exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of its National Day. Scheduled to run from August 28 to September 5, 2025, the event will be hosted at the National Exhibition Center in Co Loa, Dong Anh District, Hanoi. This grand showcase, themed "80 Years Journey of Independence - Freedom - Happiness," promises to be a sweeping tribute to the nation’s remarkable progress and rich cultural heritage.
Directed by the Government and spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as the standing agency, the exhibition is set to highlight the country’s transformative journey over eight decades. It will spotlight Vietnam’s achievements across a broad spectrum of sectors, with a special emphasis on pivotal fields such as industry and technology, investment and trade, agriculture and rural development, national security and defense, foreign affairs, healthcare, education, culture, sports, and tourism.
The exhibition’s content is thoughtfully curated to not only celebrate economic and technological milestones but also to honor the cultural tapestry that defines Vietnam. Visitors will encounter displays showcasing the nation's 4,000-year-old cultural traditions, the vibrant diversity of its 54 ethnic groups, and the wealth of natural resources and regional products spanning the three geographic areas of the country. Architectural marvels, both historic and contemporary, will also be featured, offering a visual narrative of Vietnam’s evolving landscape.
One of the exhibition’s standout features is its focus on Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation. Attendees will explore dedicated sections on green industries and the nation’s ongoing green and digital transformation journeys. The aerospace sector will be prominently displayed, illustrating Vietnam’s strides in aviation and space technology, alongside a showcase of the security and defense industries that underpin the country’s sovereignty.
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three main zones, each with a distinct thematic focus. The General Exhibition Zone, housed in the Kim Quy Exhibition House, carries the theme "Vietnam - Journey to a New Era." This area offers a comprehensive overview of the nation’s history and core values through six exhibition spaces, including "Vietnam - Land - People," "95 Years of Party Flag Leading the Way," "Building Development," "Rich Provinces, Strong Nation," "Economic Locomotive," and "Startup to Nation Building." These segments weave together historical milestones with contemporary achievements, crafting an immersive experience that reflects Vietnam’s enduring spirit.
Complementing this is the Outdoor Exhibition Zone, themed "Integration and Development." Spread across the East, West, South, and North courts, it features five distinct spaces: "For a Green Future," which emphasizes environmental sustainability; "Aspiration for the Sky," highlighting aerospace ambitions; "Sword and Shield," dedicated to national defense; "Festival of Mountains and Rivers," celebrating the nation’s natural beauty and unity; and a vibrant art performance space that will host cultural showcases throughout the exhibition period.
The third zone, located in the Block A Exhibition House, is the International & 12 Cultural Industries Exhibition Zone, themed "Integration and Creation." This area underscores Vietnam’s growing global connections and creative industries. It includes spaces titled "Creating for Construction," focusing on innovation and development, and "Vietnam and the World," which highlights the country’s diplomatic relationships and international collaborations. Notably, this zone will also introduce visitors to 12 key Vietnamese cultural industries, reflecting the nation’s rich artistic and cultural economy.
Technological innovation plays a central role in the exhibition’s presentation. The organizers plan to utilize a blend of large panels, photographs, drawings, documents, and artifacts, augmented by cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, virtual reality experiences, multimedia audiovisual works, digital technology applications, and artificial intelligence. This integration aims to create an engaging, interactive environment that brings Vietnam’s story to life for visitors of all ages.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, who signed Decision No. 90 approving the project, chairs the Steering Committee overseeing the exhibition. He has tasked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with coordinating closely with various ministries, agencies, and local authorities to ensure the exhibition’s content, quality, and timeline meet the highest standards. The Ministry is also responsible for drafting necessary documents and decisions to facilitate the event’s organization and for securing approvals from the Steering and Organizing Committees.
Beyond the exhibition displays, the Ministry will orchestrate a vibrant program of activities designed to enrich the visitor experience. This includes organizing the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as coordinating a series of cultural events such as art performances, grand concerts, traditional art shows, film screenings, conferences, seminars, and exchanges with artists and prominent figures from various fields. The Ministry will also ensure that the technical infrastructure—stages, sound, and lighting systems—is fully equipped to support these events, which will be hosted by provinces, cities, ministries, and sectors both before and during the exhibition.
In essence, this exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is a dynamic celebration of Vietnam’s past, present, and future. It captures the nation’s resilience, creativity, and aspirations, inviting both Vietnamese citizens and the international community to witness the profound journey that has shaped Vietnam into the vibrant, forward-looking country it is today.