Hanoi has officially become the center of the international photography world with the opening of Photo Hanoi ’25, a city-wide biennale celebrating creativity, connection, and culture through the universal language of photography.
A global gathering of artists and ideas
Launched by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the French Institute in Vietnam, this year’s edition is bigger and bolder than ever. With 170 artists, photographers, curators, and experts from 21 countries and 25 professional organizations, Photo Hanoi ’25 transforms the city into a living gallery where culture, art, and daily life meet.
Visitors can explore 22 exhibitions and 28 side events, including talk shows, book launches, film screenings, art tours, and hands-on workshops spread across 20 cultural venues throughout the capital. Whether you’re an art lover, traveler, or simply curious, every corner of Hanoi offers a new visual story waiting to be discovered.
Where culture and creativity meet
At the opening ceremony, Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to using culture and creativity to strengthen international cooperation and friendship. She highlighted that photography is not only an art form but also a bridge that connects people and cultures — an idea that perfectly aligns with Hanoi’s position as a UNESCO Creative City.
The biennale’s curatorial theme, “Nostalgia for Cities,” curated by Vietnamese artist Nguyen The Son, explores how photography captures the soul of urban life. Featuring works by 30 artists from 19 cities worldwide, the exhibition focuses on portraits of cities — their rhythms, memories, and evolving identities. One standout display is a series of photo-collage clocks that tick in real time, each representing a different city’s heartbeat.
More than an exhibition — a cultural dialogue
According to UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker, Photo Hanoi ’25 “turns the city itself into both the stage and the creative subject.” Streets, heritage sites, and public spaces become open-air galleries, inviting dialogue on memory, identity, and the modern world.
Beyond its artistic appeal, the event underscores Vietnam’s growing role in the international creative community. It celebrates how tradition and innovation can coexist — where ancient streets meet digital lenses, and where the country’s rich culture continues to inspire global conversation.
Discover Hanoi through the lens
Running until November 30, Photo Hanoi ’25 offers travelers a unique way to experience the capital. From modern galleries to colonial-era villas and public parks, every setting tells a story — of the city’s past, present, and imagination for the future.
For those planning to visit Hanoi this month, this is the perfect time to explore the capital’s creative side — where art, architecture, and street life blend into one unforgettable visual experience.
