A project called Cultural Space of Quoc Tu Giam, or Imperial Academy, has been launched by the Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Centre, aiming to popularize the national special relic’s historic and cultural values.
Khue Van Cac (the pavilion of the constellation of literature) in Hanoi's Temple of Literature Complex. (Photo: Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam Culture and Science Centre)
The project will hold cultural activities and exchanges in Quoc Tu Giam’s cultural space and provide information on Vietnamese history to the public.
It will also organize multiple arts and cultural events for young people at home and from overseas, alongside talk shows about the values of ancient education in today’s life.
Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature Complex), is one of the most popular relics and tourist destinations in Hanoi and the country at large. Built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty (1010 – 1225), it is also among the most important Confucian symbols in the country.
The complex consists of Van Mieu, a temple dedicated to Confucius as Confucianism used to be a popular religion in Vietnam in feudal times, and Quoc Tu Giam, the first national university of the country.
It taught disciples on the Confucian way of life and revered Chu Van An, one of Vietnam’s most respected scholars. Between 1076 and 1779, Quoc Tu Giam educated thousands of talented men to serve their country to the best of their abilities.