The event features young artists including Nguyen Van Bac (representing Thong Dong brand), Trinh Van Khue and Nguyen Tuan Anh (founders of Cua Na), and Nguyen Duc Anh (representing The Annam).

The exhibition is part of the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival cultural activities series, organized by the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board in collaboration with the Dinh Lang Viet Club at the Cultural and Arts Center. Running until 27/9, the event showcases artifacts and toy models created by a community of young people, supported by cultural researchers.

"This space fosters interaction between the public and heritage practitioners through experiential activities like lantern making and paper mache mask painting," a representative of the organizing committee stated.

A series of toys cherished by generations of Hanoi children, such as star lanterns, carp lanterns, lion heads, five-fruit trays, and animal figurines, are recreated. The artists directly researched traditional documents and shaping techniques to bring this heritage back to contemporary life.

{"caption_all":"The Cua Na group focuses on restoring traditional lantern models such as Nhat - Nguyet, Cuon Thu, keo quan, and crab and shrimp shaped lanterns, using original crafting techniques.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

{"caption_all":"The Annam representative explores lesser-known court toys like nghi truong, tien si giay, luong tan, and feather fans, aiming to broaden perspectives on handicrafts.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

{"caption_all":"The Thong Dong brand presents a collection of mascots combining historical research and contemporary design. Models like Bach Ma, Hong Ma, Thiet Ma, and Bach Tuong draw inspiration from ancient art, recreating the images of leading figures in old Mid-Autumn processions.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

{"caption_all":"Nhat Dung, 24, and Nhat Hong, 20, wore ao dai to the opening, fitting the event's atmosphere. Witnessing the lanterns light up to folk music, both expressed surprise. "The recreated works vividly capture ancient features, offering a feeling that is both new and familiar," Dung shared.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

The event also attracted international visitors interested in Vietnamese culture. Isabel Weitschies, a German research student, attended in traditional ao dai and took souvenir photos with the exhibits.

Having lived in Vietnam for 10 years, this was Isabel's first Mid-Autumn Festival experience in Hanoi, and she expressed admiration for the sophistication of Vietnamese handicrafts.

Dao Mai Chi, 19, from Hanoi, wore an ao dai to the exhibition to see the old Mid-Autumn lantern models.

Many young people visited the exhibition with their families.

Artist Nguyen Duc Binh, head of the Dinh Lang Viet Club, noted that the exhibition's message emphasizes the creative role of young people in preserving national culture.

Participating in the event, ethnologist Bui Xuan Dinh explained that ancient handcrafted toys reflect the connection between humans, nature, and agricultural culture. "The exhibition helps the younger generation understand the unique aspects of traditional Mid-Autumn, which is deeply rooted in the childhood of our ancestors," Dinh said.

Nga Thanh - Quynh Nguyen