Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Opening of the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

The Vietnamese Garden represents a unique and authentic cultural space, newly established on the grounds of the Asia and Pacific Museum, one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions dedicated to Asian and Oceanic art and culture. The project was created to showcase Vietnam’s natural beauty, artistic spirit, and traditional values to the international audience, while deepening the cultural exchange between Vietnam and Poland.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a highlight of the event, symbolizing the friendship and cultural connection between the two nations. The garden is not only a scenic space but also an artistic and emotional expression of Vietnamese identity. Through elements such as bamboo groves, garden hedges, narrow winding paths, and the use of traditional materials, the Vietnamese Garden recreates the serene atmosphere of rural Vietnam, offering visitors a tranquil retreat that tells stories of harmony between humans and nature.

In his address at the opening, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong emphasized the symbolic importance of the garden. “We highly value the significance of establishing this garden, not merely as a landscape project, but as a vivid symbol of the identity, cultural depth, and spirit of the Vietnamese people,” he remarked. “The bamboo groves, garden hedges, narrow paths, and traditional materials evoke memories of our homeland, and they also share with the world meaningful stories about the people and the land of Vietnam.”

Leaders and delegates taking photo by the Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum

He further added that the Vietnamese Garden serves as a bridge between past and present, tradition and modernity, and between Vietnam and its international friends. Through this initiative, Vietnam expresses its commitment to fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and cultural cooperation with other countries. The garden’s creation is part of Vietnam’s broader efforts to enhance its soft power through cultural diplomacy, presenting the country as a destination that is not only beautiful and hospitable but also rich in heritage and creativity.

The opening of the Vietnamese Garden was one of the most anticipated events during the Vietnam Culture and Tourism Week in Poland, which was organized to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland. This week-long celebration included exhibitions, art performances, and promotional activities showcasing Vietnam’s tourism potential, traditional arts, cuisine, and contemporary creativity.

For both nations, the Vietnamese Garden stands as a meaningful gift - a symbol of enduring friendship and shared appreciation for cultural diversity. It is expected to become a popular attraction in Warsaw, providing Polish and international visitors with an immersive experience of Vietnamese aesthetics and philosophy.

The Asia and Pacific Museum, established in 1973, is the only museum in Poland and one of the few in Europe dedicated to the culture, art, and daily life of countries across Asia and the Pacific region.

Currently, the museum houses around 25,000 artifacts from over 40 countries, including items related to beliefs, fine arts, handicrafts, costumes, musical instruments, and everyday tools. Vietnam is among the countries with a large and prominent collection, including traditional opera masks, ethnic musical instruments, traditional costumes, Buddha statues, and folk paintings.

In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly organizes thematic exhibitions, art performances, seminars, and various cultural exchange and educational activities in collaboration with communities and diplomatic missions.

The establishment of the Vietnamese Garden adds a new dimension to the museum’s landscape, transforming it into not only a space for preserving heritage but also a living environment where culture can be felt, seen, and experienced. Visitors strolling through the garden can appreciate how Vietnamese design principles emphasize simplicity, balance, and harmony with nature. The use of water, wood, and plants in the garden’s composition echoes the core values of Vietnamese life: humility, resilience, and respect for the environment.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Vietnamese Garden also serves an educational purpose. It provides a tangible introduction to Vietnamese culture for local students, researchers, and travelers. By engaging the senses and emotions, it helps people understand Vietnam not just through exhibitions or books, but through lived experience.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong expressed his hope that this new cultural space would continue to inspire collaboration between Vietnamese and Polish institutions, including art exchanges, cultural festivals, and tourism initiatives. He also conveyed appreciation to the Asia and Pacific Museum’s leadership for their long-standing support in promoting Vietnam’s image to the Polish public.

The event concluded in a joyful and reflective atmosphere. Delegates from both sides toured the garden, posed for commemorative photos beside the One Pillar Pagoda model, one of Vietnam’s most iconic architectural symbols recreated within the museum grounds and discussed future cooperation opportunities in cultural promotion and tourism development.

The Vietnamese Garden at the Asia and Pacific Museum thus stands as a testament to the friendship between Vietnam and Poland, a living example of how culture transcends borders to connect hearts and minds. It will continue to serve as a peaceful and inspiring reminder of Vietnam’s enduring beauty, hospitality, and creativity in the heart of Europe.

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