An exhibition named “Vietnamese Buddhist Cultural Heritage” officially opened at the Vietnam National Museum of History on February 25, showcasing around 200 documents and artifacts related to the development of Buddhism in the country. Paintings, statues, worshipping objects and musical instrument, as well as local Buddhist architecture will be on display throughout the six-month exhibition which is available until August 2013.

The exhibition brings back the dawn of Vietnam’s Buddhism, which originated from Luy Lau Buddhism in the north, ancient Champa’s Buddhism in the centre of the country, and Oc Eo culture in the south. The items entered into the exhibition give visitors a clear insight of the history of Buddhism in Vietnam since it was introduced around 1,000 years ago. According to Vu Quoc Hien, deputy director of the Vietnam National Museum of History, the exhibition gives visitor a more truthful view of the history of Buddhism in Vietnam.

The artifacts are arranged according to their time periods. Among the most appreciated exhibit item is a Canh Thinh bronze drum (dated from 1800), which was recently certified by the Prime Minister as one of Viet Nam’s National Treasures. It was discovered at Nanh Pagoda in the capital’s Ninh Hiep Commune before being moved to the museum for display. Gilded wooden statues dating from 17th-18th century are also on display. A statue of Bodhidharma dating from Le Dynasty (the 17th-18th century) is drawing special attention as well as the many gilded wooden statues dating from the 16th century. Another noticeable statue is that of a donator from Mac Dynasty (15th-16th century), who offered money to build pagodas.

Other artifacts on display at the exhibition include the Manjushri Bodhisattva statue, Musical stone and bell of the Nguyen Dynasty, Kuan-yin Bodhisattva statue of the Nguyen Dynasty, Colossal statue, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue, Buddha statues of Cham culture, worship paintings to Pluto, and several Shakyamuni Buddha statues.

Much of Viet Nam’s most famous, traditional and valued cultural heritage has been provided or inspired by Buddhism which is why the display is highly regarded. The exhibition can be found at 25 Tong Dan Street in Ha Noi.