The exhibition “The Glory of Ancient Persia,” co-organized by the Palace Museum, the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and the National Museum of Iran, opened at the East Wing Gallery of the Meridian Gate (Wu men) on January 12, and will run through April 11, 2024.

Iran, situated in West Asia, is home to an ancient and profound civilization, with its roots extending back to hundreds of thousands of years ago. The country has seen the rise and fall of influential dynasties such as the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian, each leaving a significant imprint on the world stage. In Chinese historical records, Iran was known as “Anxi” during the Western Han period and later as “Persia”. Standing at the pivotal junction of the East and the West, Iranian art integrates cultural elements from diverse ethnic groups, achieving remarkable accomplishments that have influenced many countries and regions across Eurasia.

The exhibition consists of two sections – “Beauty of Inclusiveness” and “East-West Communication,” and features 216 artifacts from multiple Iranian museums. It spans a wide array of items, from palace architecture and household furniture to precious treasures and everyday utensils, as well as ancient paintings and scripts. By presenting a diverse array of artifacts, including architecture, sculpture, ceramics, glass, metal, calligraphy, and painting, the exhibition captures the enduring charm of ancient Iranian art, providing a window into the splendid and rich cultural heritage of ancient Persia, which was shaped by cultural exchange and mutual learning.