The exhibition was inaugurated by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and attended by senior provincial leaders, including Party Central Committee member and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Hoang Van Nghiem; Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Council Lo Minh Hung; and Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Dinh Viet.

Also present were representatives of departments and agencies, relatives of former political prisoners held at Son La Prison, and a large number of officers, soldiers, youth union members, students and local residents.

The exhibition recreates the historic 1943 prison break by four communist revolutionaries namely Nguyen Luong Bang, Luu Duc Hieu, Nguyen Van Tran and Tran Dang Ninh, under the direction of the Son La Prison Party Cell and with guidance from hero Lo Van Gia. It was the only successful escape during nearly four decades of the prison's operation under French colonial rule. The jailbreak enabled key Party leaders to return to revolutionary activities, reinforcing the Party's leadership ahead of the 1945 August Revolution.

On display are more than 100 photographs, documents and archival materials arranged into three sections - "The French presence in Son La," "The Son La Prison Party Cell and the 1943 prison break," and "In the footsteps of the escapees."

The exhibition offers visitors a deeper insight into the resilience of communists imprisoned in what was known as a "hell on earth." It also highlights the leadership of the Son La Prison Party Cell, the ingenuity and solidarity of the revolutionary prisoners, and the protection and support provided by Son La's ethnic communities during the historic escape.

The exhibition will remain open to the public through October 2026.

Held to mark the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026), the exhibition aims to promote patriotism, strengthen revolutionary ideals and foster national pride and a sense of responsibility among younger generations. It also seeks to further showcase the historical significance of the Son La Prison special national relic site to visitors both at home and abroad.