The event is being held at the State Records and Archives Administration of Vietnam under the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with Russian partners and Vietnamese institutions.
It presents a collection of documents, photographs and artefacts retracing the Soyuz 37 mission, from crew selection and training to the flight and return, including materials released to the public for the first time.
A key highlight is a set of archival materials from both Vietnam and Russia, alongside documentary films provided by the Russian embassy, Vietnam Television and the Vietnam Film Institute.
Visitors can also view artefacts carried into space by Pham Tuan, including personal items regarded as unique historical relics.
According to SRAD Director Dang Thanh Tung, the exhibition commemorates the 65th anniversary of humanity’s first spaceflight on April 12, 1961, a milestone in scientific and human history.
The Soyuz 37 mission in 1980 marked the first time a Vietnamese astronaut joined a Soviet cosmonaut in space, becoming a shared source of pride for both nations.
Russian representatives said the exhibition reflects long standing cooperation under the Intercosmos programme, which enabled international crews and scientific collaboration during the Cold War era.
The event also underscores the role of archival work in preserving historical memory, supporting research and strengthening international understanding.
Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko said the exhibition holds symbolic significance during the Russia Vietnam year of cooperation in science and education.
He noted that the 1961 flight by Yuri Gagarin aboard Vostok marked a turning point in human civilisation, opening a new era of space exploration.
The 1980 joint mission, involving Pham Tuan and Soviet cosmonaut Viktor Gorbatko, demonstrated close ties between the two countries and highlighted Vietnam’s participation in global scientific efforts despite post war challenges.
At the exhibition, Pham Tuan shared personal accounts of the mission and interacted with visitors, while astronauts aboard the International Space Station sent messages emphasising international cooperation in space exploration.
The exhibition is open to the public free of charge until June 10.
