The iconic Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, a testament to Vietnam's rich history and resilience, may soon undergo a transformation into the world's longest contemporary art museum and cultural events center. This innovative proposal aims to breathe new life into the 113-year-old structure, enhancing its historical significance while creating a vibrant new public space.
Constructed in 1898 and completed in 1903, the Long Bien Bridge spans 1.7 kilometers across the Red River's shifting sands and gravel. At its inauguration, it was the longest bridge in Indochina and among the four longest bridges globally. Named Doumer Bridge after Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of Indochina, the bridge boasts 19 steel spans and showcases engineering principles and metalwork reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. Although often attributed to Gustave Eiffel, Vietnamese architect and historian Dang Thai Hoang has suggested that the bridge was constructed based on an Eiffel blueprint.
Today, the Long Bien Bridge stands as a poignant reminder of Vietnam's struggle for independence. Despite its grandeur, the bridge shows signs of wear, prompting discussions about its future. On July 15, the Vietnam Urban Planning Association held a seminar where architect and urban planner Nguyen Nga from Paris presented a bold vision for the bridge's rehabilitation.
Nguyen Nga's proposal envisions the Long Bien Bridge as a contemporary art museum, capitalizing on the construction of a new bridge to serve national railway links. The transformation would include large panels of translucent glass, creating a stunning aesthetic vision in downtown Hanoi. The bridge would feature a mix of open and closed spaces for permanent and temporary exhibits, including a large exhibition hall to display restored locomotives and wagons, some repurposed into dining cars and cafés.
The bridge's renovation would require raising it by three meters to allow large vessels to navigate and expanding it to accommodate long-term development. An Art Park on Bai Giua island in the Red River would complement the bridge, celebrating Vietnam's heritage and future. Additionally, a Museum of Contemporary Art shaped like a lotus would be constructed at one end of the bridge, complete with a library, auditorium, restaurant, café, and a penthouse bar offering panoramic views of Hanoi.
The plan also includes reopening the bridge's 131 arches, currently sealed off, to create a city of galleries for artisans and artists. These spaces could host a variety of artistic endeavors, from painting and sculpture to performing arts. Twenty arches would be reserved for cafes, tea houses, and restaurants, enhancing the bridge's cultural and social appeal.
The proposal extends beyond the bridge, incorporating the Hang Dan Water Tower's transformation into The Museum of Antiquities with a rooftop café-restaurant. A nearly four-kilometer Green Promenade, or Walkway for Peace, would connect significant cultural sites in Hanoi, reinforcing the city's green spaces and fostering urban development.
The ambitious 10-year plan has garnered positive feedback from experts, including Associate Professor Doctor Vu Thi Vinh of the Vietnam Association of Cities, who finds the plan daring yet feasible. Public opinion is mixed, with some concerned about the cost and potential allocation of resources, while others, like businessman Duy Lam, express excitement at the prospect of preserving the historical bridge and creating a tourist attraction.
The proposal for Long Bien Bridge's transformation represents a significant cultural and urban development opportunity for Hanoi. If realized, it could set a precedent for heritage conservation and urban innovation, enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors from around the world.
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