Painting masterpieces from the Netherlands display in Hanoi

PSNews - Recently, an exhibition showcasing the masterpieces of Dutch artists from the Golden Age to the end of the 19th century opened in Hanoi, marking the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

Painting masterpieces from the Netherlands display in Hanoi -0
The Art Gallery of Jan Gildemeester Jansz by Adriaan de Lelie.

 The exhibition named "Blooming Light, Soaking Light: Masterpieces from the Netherlands" is co-organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hanoi and the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic ties.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum Nguyen Anh Minh said that the exhibition is an opportunity for the public to enjoy classic works from the Dutch Golden Age – the period from the end of the 16th century to the 17th century.

Sixty-nine masterpieces by 66 master painters of Europe in general and the Netherlands in particular, such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vemmer, selected from the collection of the Rijksmuseum museum, are introduced to the Vietnamese art lovers in the form of electronic and printed slide shows. The exhibition explores “light” from the symbolic, metaphorical, as well as technical perspective. 

Ambassador Kees van Baar shared the works displayed in the exhibition are some of the best of what Dutch fine arts has to offer. The art has the ability to connect and bring people together, and that is exactly what the celebration of 50 years of bilateral relations between Vienam and the Netherlands this year is all about.

Inspired by the poem “We Silver Beings, Misty Light, Plants Growing” by the famous Dutch poet Herman Gorter, the exhibition explores and rediscovers different notions of “light” through the works of art by Dutch master painters.

Examining nearly 70 pieces under five main themes: Landscape, Still Life, Portrait, Genre Art and Spiritual Realm, the exhibition recreates and interprets light in Dutch art history and reveals how it reflects the changes in the human perception of reality and the metaphysical world.

Employing a hybrid format, with the combination of fine printing on silk and digital projection, the exhibition will bring audiences an opportunity to better understand the Dutch cultural identities, lifestyle and beliefs. 

The “Blooming Light, Soaking Light” exhibition will last until June 11, 2023 at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, located at No. 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

By Kim Khanh

Other News

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Standing on the historic land of Quang Tri, alongside the Ben Hai River, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded of the true value of peace and the sacrifices made for national independence, freedom and reunification.