The Year of the Pig begins with some sad news for Hanoi’s creative youth. This month will see the closure of one the city’s most popular art quarters. 60 Square, which reopened after the Tet holiday yesterday, will close for good on February 15.
The space was never expected to remain open long-term – a short lease of only a few years was offered to the tenants – although it was expected to last at least another year. Due to a change of ownership, however, the current occupants will no longer be able to rent the buildings.
Since opening just over a year ago, the area developed a devoted following among Hanoi’s youth. Left abandoned following use as a post office during French colonial rule, the crumbling, egg-yolk buildings were transformed into bohemian cafes, a tattoo parlor, a vintage clothing store, a recording studio and galleries by a community of young creatives.
Nguyen Dang Duc Minh, the owner of Quan Cam Cafe, was philosophical about the change. “We did everything we can here,” he said. “If I can find a good place, maybe I will re-open Quan Cam. When one door closes, another opens.”
