People from all over Vietnam flocked to the new Vietnam Exhibition Centre in Đông Anh District to view the commemorative exhibition 80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness.
The event brought Vietnam's history, its people, and recent achievements to life, drawing tens of thousands of visitors in the opening week.
The exhibition’s appeal may be attributed to the Centre's unique role: not only is it the largest facility of its kind in Southeast Asia, covering nearly 90 hectares, but it also stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam, a nation that endured decades of war and hardship yet has risen to remarkable growth throughout this historic journey.
Beyond its impressive scale and modern architecture, the Centre embodies Vietnam's aspirations for international integration and innovation.
It signifies an openness to hosting world-class conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events, a core aspect fuelling Vietnam's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector and growing cultural industries.
Likewise, it notably carries the mark of Vingroup, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam, which envisions the Centre not only as an iconic landmark, but also as a "bridge" connecting Vietnamese enterprises with the global business community through world-class exhibitions and trade fairs.
The way to a new centre
The journey to build this modern infrastructure for the capital began with the Prime Minister's approval in 2015, with the goal of meeting the demand for large-scale events.
The site was strategically chosen at the northeastern gateway of Hanoi, providing easy access to Nội Bài International Airport and major transportation routes, making it convenient for both domestic and international guests.
The importance of this location is further underscored by the upcoming launch of the Tu Lien Bridge, a key infrastructure project spanning the Red River, which will provide a fast connection between the city center and the exhibition complex.
This will give the Centre a major advantage in terms of accessibility, making it a convenient destination for large-scale national and international events.
One distinctive aspect of the project is its blend of tradition and modernity. The Center stands on land closely tied to the ancient Co Loa Citadel, a historic site associated with legends of Vietnam's founding and defense.
In just over ten months of accelerated construction, cutting the original timeline in half, a striking 24,000-tonne steel dome was completed, marking new standards for Vietnam's construction industry and a spirit of innovation in infrastructure development.
