Hanoi Art Photo Exhibition 2026: Portraying the appearance of the Capital through each frame

On October 10, the Hanoi Art Photography Association held the opening ceremony of the 56th Hanoi Art Photo Exhibition in 2026 at Hang Trong flower garden space, No. 42 Nha Chung Street, Hanoi. The event takes place in public space, creating conditions for domestic and international people and tourists to access and enjoy works of art right in the heart of the city.

Displaying photos in open space brings a close experience, when images of Hanoi are placed in the context of the capital’s life. Thereby, viewers have the opportunity to compare the stories in each frame with the landscape and rhythm of life going on around them.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, photographer Nguyen Van Toan, Chairman of the Hanoi Artistic Photography Association, said the exhibition is an opportunity to look back at the city’s development journey, while also recognizing changes in contemporary life. The works convey love for Hanoi and the country through the perspective and real-life experiences of those holding the camera.

According to the Organizing Committee, this year’s exhibition received 1,183 works by 227 authors, under two themes: “Hanoi – New Life” with 593 works and “Beauty of all regions of the Fatherland” with 590 works.

Through the selection process, 76 typical works were displayed, including 33 works about Hanoi and 43 works reflecting the beauty of the regions. Each theme has 11 works awarded, including one First prize, two Second prizes, three Third prizes and five Consolation prizes. Hanoi is modern in the continuation of traditional values

Under the theme “Hanoi – New Life”, the works focus on reflecting the transformation of the city through increasingly developed roads, architectural works, urban areas and transportation systems. These images show the modern and dynamic appearance of the Capital in its development process. In addition to new projects, the characteristics that make up Hanoi’s identity are still recreated through Hoan Kiem Lake, the old town, moss-tiled roofs, rows of green trees, street vendors, ao dai and daily activities. The parallel presence of traditional landscape and new urban space creates a multi-dimensional picture of a city that is changing but still maintains familiar values. Through each camera angle, the artists show that the process of modernization does not mean losing identity. Historical and cultural imprints are still present in today’s life, creating Hanoi’s unique features amid strong development. The work “Me Tri Park Sunday Afternoon” by author Ngo Thi Bich Hang won first prize in this topic. The two second prizes went to “Hanoi develops modern green urban areas” by Nguyen Duc Toan and “The first spillway to regulate water on To Lich river” by Le Phu Son. The beauty of Vietnam through the perspective of those holding the camera

If the first theme focuses on the pace of life in the Capital, “Beauty of Every Region of the Fatherland” expands the creative space to many regions across the country. From terraced fields, highland villages in the North to the sunny and windy Central region, the vast Central Highlands, the Southern river region and vibrant cities, each work contributes a slice of Vietnam’s nature and people. Not only do they capture the scenery, the photos also depict working life, highland markets, traditional festivals, homes and simple moments in daily activities. Thereby, the beauty of the country is expressed not only in the richness of the landscape but also in the cultural depth and spirit of attachment to the homeland of each community. The first prize of the theme was awarded to the work “Afternoon on the border of Binh Lieu” by Nguyen Van Nghiep. The two second prizes went to “White Sua Flower Season” by Nguyen Thi Minh Hai and “Flying with the wind in the sky of Da Nang” by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thanh. The works take viewers to many different spaces, from the Binh Lieu border area of ​​Quang Ninh to the colors of white skim flowers and the sky of Da Nang. The diversity in topics as well as ways of expression shows the unique creative mark of each author, while simultaneously aiming at the love of nature, people and country. Preserve moments, spread love for Hanoi and the country

Behind each photo presented at the exhibition is the artist’s process of observing, experiencing and waiting to capture a meaningful moment. Therefore, the event is not only a place to introduce new creations but also helps the public better understand the efforts and passion of those working in the field of photography. For the authors, the exhibition is an opportunity to share their artistic perspectives and feelings for the Capital and the lands they have visited. For viewers, the works open up a visual journey of discovery, from the familiar streets of Hanoi to remote regions, thereby evoking interest in the landscape, people and national cultural values. Held on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation Day, the exhibition also means looking back at the changes in Hanoi after more than seven decades of construction and development. The introduced frames both reflect the city’s appearance today and remind of the responsibility to preserve historical and cultural values ​​during the development process. The 56th Hanoi Art Photo Exhibition 2026 is open to the public until October 19.