News
2025-05-14

“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” Opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum
On May 13, 2025, the opening ceremony for “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” was held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM). The exhibition is jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the HKPM, and exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy. Among the distinguished guests attending the ceremony were Luo Xianliang, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and deputy director of the Palace Museum, Leo Kung, chairman of the HKPM Board, Ann Kung Yeung Yun Chi, trustee of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and vice chairwoman of the Institute of Philanthropy, Betty Fung, chief executive officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and Dr. Louis Ng, director of the HKPM.
This exhibition marks the first digital exhibition jointly organized by the Palace Museum and the HKPM. Themed around “patterns” and grounded in the concept of “immersion,” the exhibition draws traditional patterns from the Palace Museum’s architecture, ceramics, and embroidered textiles, reimaging them through cutting-edge digital technology, presenting both the cultural significance behind these traditional motifs and their contemporary artistic interpretations.
The exhibition seeks to showcase the beauty of traditional Chinese culture through the use of digital technology. It invites audiences to explore the charm of this culture from a new perspective and to witness the rebirth of traditional patterns in the digital age. Through dynamic lighting and shifting forms, auspicious motifs rich in cultural connotations, such as bat-and-peach symbols, sea-and-dragon designs, and intertwining lotus patterns, are brought to life with renewed vibrancy. Visitors may feel as if they were stepping into a dreamlike landscape constructed entirely of traditional patterns.
“The Institute of Philanthropy is committed to advancing the exchange and development of charitable endeavors nationally and globally. This exhibition represents a key milestone in our five-year cooperation plan with the Palace Museum. The initiative aims to promote fine traditional Chinese culture, nurture talent in arts technology, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a hub for international cultural exchange. The timing makes this event especially meaningful, as it coincides with both the Palace Museum’s centennial celebration and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 140th anniversary;” said Ann Kung Yeung Yun Chi.
Luo Xianliang expressed that the inaugural joint digital exhibition between the Palace Museum and the HKPM reflects their shared commitment to showcasing Chinese cultural treasures to audiences worldwide and promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. He is eager to leverage digital technology to advance traditional culture in a global context.
Leo Kung said that traditional Chinese patterns are known for their enduring vibrancy and charm. “The Ways in Patterns” breathes life into the static motifs found in artifacts and architecture through technology, guiding audiences from around the world into an immersive world of elegance within traditional Chinese aesthetics. “The Ways in Patterns” is the third exhibition co-organised by the HKPM and the Palace Museum this year. The HKPM will continue to work with the Palace Museum to promote and preserve China’s rich cultural heritage through innovative curatorial approaches, further leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role in international art and cultural exchange.
Last May, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Institute of Philanthropy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation with the Palace Museum. Titled “Promotion of Chinese Culture and Arts Tech Talent Development in the Mainland and Hong Kong,” the MOU outlines the Institute of Philanthropy’s commitment to promoting Chinese culture and values across Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, and globally. It also supports initiatives aimed at developing talent in the art technology and cultural sectors. The exhibition is a key initiative under the collaboration, offering Hong Kong citizens and visitors an intimate opportunity to experience the Palace Museum culture while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.
“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” will open to the public in Gallery 7 of the HKPM on May 14 and run through October 13, 2025.
2025-05-01

“All Beings Thrive in Harmony: A Special Exhibition of Animal-themed Paintings from the Palace Museum Collection” Opens at the Palace Museum
On April 30, the Palace Museum opened a captivating show titled “All Beings Thrive in Harmony: A Special Exhibition of Animal-themed Paintings from the Palace Museum Collection.” Set within the Gallery of Painting and Calligraphy in the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian), the exhibition will run for two months until June 29. It is fully supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and exclusively funded by the Institute of Philanthropy.
The title of the exhibition, “All Beings Thrive in Harmony,” is inspired by a line from the Warring States period philosopher Xunzi in his work “Discourse on Nature:” “All things that grow live in harmony and benefit from the nourishment of Nature.” This phrase expresses a vision of all life growing in harmony, each being nourished and thriving within a balanced natural order, a philosophy deeply rooted in ideals of unity, inclusivity, and the interconnectedness of all things. General Secretary Xi Jinping referenced this quote at the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Paris and at the leaders’ summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), when commenting that biodiversity brings vitality to the planet and forms the foundation for human survival and development. Harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is a vital support of ecological civilization, with animals playing a critical role in this ecosystem.
This exhibition is the first time that the Palace Museum has showcased its extensive collection of animal-themed paintings. It is divided into three sections: “Spring Birds in Chorus,” “Dancing Beasts in Harmony,” and “Living Creatures in All Forms.” A total of 117 pieces from 63 sets of paintings, dating from the Five Dynasties period to the Qing dynasty, are included in the exhibition. The works cover a wide range of subjects, including birds, mammals, insects, and aquatic creatures. Highlights of the exhibition include “Sketches of Rare Birds” by Huang Quan from the Five Dynasties period, a representative work of the luxuriant and refined Huang family style. Also featured are rare court paintings from the Qing dynasty, such as the “Imperial Manual of Birds” and the “Imperial Manual of Beasts”, which were once part of the imperial collection. The exhibition presents work by renowned artists skilled in animal depiction, including Cui Bai, Emperor Huizong (Zhao Ji), Li Di, and Lin Chun from the Song dynasty; Zhao Mengfu, Ren Renfa, Wang Yuan, and Sheng Changnian from the Yuan dynasty; Bian Jingzhao, Shen Zhou, Lyu Ji, and Xu Wei from the Ming dynasty; and Jiang Tingxi, Hua Yan, Lang Shining, and Xu Gu from the Qing dynasty. These works are diverse in subject matter, style, and artistic schools. In terms of technique, the paintings range from the meticulous detail and rich colors of gongbi (realistic painting), to the graceful fluidity of mogu (boneless style, where forms are rendered without outlines), and the bold expressiveness of ink-and-wash painting, where brush and ink are used freely to evoke mood and movement. Through their depictions of animals, these artists conveyed emotions, reflected their inner worlds, expressed cultural identities, and captured the spirit of their times. As such, these paintings represent an integral part of Chinese traditional culture.
From birds soaring in the sky, to beasts running free, to fish gliding through water and insects singing in the grass, these paintings present classic Chinese aesthetic traditions that highlight the beauty of nature. The exhibition “All Beings Thrive in Harmony” not only honors generations of artists who found inspiration in the natural world, but also offers profound insights into our modern pursuit of ecological harmony. We invite all visitors to the Gallery of Painting and Calligraphy in the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian) to experience the beauty of life through the brushwork of masters across the ages and to reflect on the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Publication: “All Beings Thrive in Harmony: A Special Exhibition of Animal-themed Paintings from the Palace Museum Collection” Catalogue
As part of the exhibition, the Forbidden City Publishing House has published a catalogue that serves both as a reading material for general audiences and as a reference for professionals and scholars.
2025-04-30

TAC Establishes Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage Translation
On April 24, a seminar focusing on translation in the museum and cultural heritage sectors was held in Dalian, Liaoning province. The event was jointly organized by the Translators Association of China (TAC), the Palace Museum, and the Academy of Translation and Interpretation (ATI) of China International Communications Group (CICG). Yuan Hong, deputy director of the International Exchange Department of the Palace Museum, presided over the meeting. Yuan is also the deputy chair and secretary-general of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee. Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of CICG and executive vice president and secretary-general of TAC, and Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China Internet Information Center and vice president of TAC and chair of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee, attended and delivered speeches. Nearly 200 experts and scholars in museum, cultural heritage, and international communication sectors attended the meeting.
Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group and executive vice president and secretary-general of the Translators Association of China (TAC), delivers a speech at TAC’s annual conference of in Dalian, Liaoning province, April 24, 2025.
During the meeting, Gao Anming announced the establishment of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee and presented letters of appointment to its leadership members. He said that the committee will serve as an important platform for further promoting the development of translation professionals, facilitating international exchange and cooperation, and accelerating the building of an international discourse system in the fields of museums and cultural heritage. Gao noted that this initiative is of great significance for promoting high-quality development in cultural heritage translation and international communication.
Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China Internet Information Center and vice president of the Translators Association of China (TAC) and chair of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee, delivers a speech at TAC’s annual conference in Dalian, Liaoning province, April 24, 2025.
Wang Xiaohui noted that the establishment of the committee marks a significant milestone for China’s translation industry. He highlighted that effective cultural heritage translation requires depth in research, breadth in perspective, richness in knowledge, and dedication to practice. The committee will work toward standardization of translation related to museum and cultural heritage sectors and encourage greater participation in China’s cultural heritage translation efforts.
Gao Anming presents letters of appointment to the leadership members of the Cultural Heritage Translation Committee of the Translators Association of China (TAC) at TAC’s annual conference in Dalian, Liaoning province, April 24, 2025.
The meeting featured discussions on establishing standardized systems for translation and international communication in China’s museum and cultural heritage sectors. The agenda was compact yet rich in content. During the session of keynote speeches, speakers included Jiang Xiaochenyang, researcher at Peking University’s School of Archaeology and Museology, Shi Wanghuan, deputy director of the Exhibition Department at the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, Xia Meifang, director of the Translation Office at the International Liaison Department of the National Museum of China, Yang Ruochen, staff member of the International Exchange Department of the Palace Museum, Zhang Liang, director of the Editorial Department of “The Museum” at the Capital Museum, Qin Su, deputy director of the Department of Major Translation Projects at ATI of CICG, and Luo Hongyan, chief translator at GTCOM Technology Corporation.
Yuan Hong, deputy director of the International Exchange Department of the Palace Museum and deputy chair and secretary-general of the Cultural Heritage Translation Committee of the Translators Association of China (TAC), presides over the seminar during TAC’s annual conference in Dalian, Liaoning province, April 24, 2025.
The leadership members of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee come from a number of institutions. These include national organizations such as CICG, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center; cultural institutions such as the Palace Museum, the National Museum of China, the Dunhuang Academy, the Capital Museum, the Shanghai Museum, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the Henan Museum; universities such as Peking University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, the Communication University of China, and Jingdezhen Ceramic University; as well as cultural enterprises like Poly Culture Group Corporation Limited. The committee brings together members with complementary strengths and combines academic research with hands-on translation experience. As the host of the committee’s secretariat, the Palace Museum will collaborate with member organizations to carry out relevant work.
This seminar marks a new step toward standardized development of cultural heritage translation in China. Reflecting the richness of China’s 5,000-year civilization, the Palace Museum will continue to build its capacity for international communication and foster mutual learning among civilizations through translation. It aims to share more stories of cultural relics that reflect the essence of Chinese civilization with audiences around the world. The Palace Museum also hopes to become a global hub for cultural exchange and to explore new ways of connecting traditional Chinese culture with the achievements of other world civilizations.
Looking ahead, the Palace Museum will leverage its role as the secretariat of TAC’s Cultural Heritage Translation Committee to strengthen the development of translation professionals in the museum and cultural heritage sectors, enhance translation and international communication efforts, build a more advanced platform for cultural heritage exchange, and provide strong support for China’s cultural heritage sector to engage more effectively with the world.
2025-04-25

Notice from the Palace Museum Regarding the Temporary Closure of the Main Hall of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining gong)
The Sculpture Gallery, located in the main hall of the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining gong), will be temporarily closed for maintenance from April 26 to 30, 2025. Other exhibition areas in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility will remain open to visitors.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to your visit.
The Palace Museum
April 25, 2025
2025-04-15

“Daedalus: Legends of Crete” Opens at the Palace Museum
The special exhibition “Daedalus: Legends of Crete” will run from April 15 to July 27, 2025, at the Gallery of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men) in the Palace Museum. The exhibition is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of Greece, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Palace Museum. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, as a joint promotion partner of the exhibition, has also contributed to the event.
Showcasing New Achievements in Sino-Greek Cultural Exchange, Ushering in a New Chapter in Dialogue of Civilizations
China and Greece are both ancient civilizations with a long history of friendly exchanges. This exhibition is not only an important outcome of deep cooperation between the Palace Museum and Greek cultural institutions but also a meaningful example of mutual learning and exchanges between civilizations.
The opening ceremony took place on April 14 at the Palace Museum, presided over by Lou Wei, executive deputy director of the Palace Museum. Wang Xudong, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and director of the Palace Museum, Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, Evgenios Kalpyris, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the People’s Republic of China, and Kent Wong Siu-Kee, managing director and CEO of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, attended and delivered speeches.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Olympia Vikatou, director of the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage of Greece, Stella Chryssoulaki, general director of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Xin Qi, special consultant to the International Confucian Association, Song Xinchao, chairman of ICOMOS China, Zheng Hao, a first-level inspector of the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Yan Yalin, director of the Archaeology Department of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), Liu Yang, director general of the Department of Museums and Social Relics of the NCHA and director of the China Cultural Heritage Information and Consulting Center, Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, Zhang Lixin, Party secretary and director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, Du Haijiang, Party secretary and deputy director of the Palace Museum, Zhu Hongwen, deputy director of the Palace Museum, as well as ambassadors or embassy representatives from Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Jordan, officials from ministries and associations including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and NCHA, heads of major domestic cultural and heritage institutions, and experts and scholars in Greek culture and art.
Wang Xudong noted that this exhibition marks a new milestone in Sino-Greek cultural relations. The Palace Museum and the Ministry of Culture of the Hellenic Republic have reached an intention for strategic cooperation and will deepen collaboration in areas such as exhibitions, heritage conservation, academic research, and digital communication. He expressed hope that the exhibition will foster a deeper dialogue between the craftsmanship of ancient Greece and the architectural philosophy of the Forbidden City, as well as between the seafaring spirit of the Minoans and the pioneering spirit of Zheng He’s voyages, revitalizing cultural heritage in the contemporary era.
Lina Mendoni said that as two of the world’s great civilizations, Greece and China have both made extraordinary contributions to philosophy, art, science, and technology. Both cultures are renowned for their pursuit of knowledge, spirit of exploration, and appreciation for innovation. The mutual respect and deep connection to each other’s ancient traditions make this cultural dialogue profoundly meaningful.
Evgenios Kalpyris pointed out in his speech that the Hellenic Republic to the People’s Republic of China places great importance on bringing distinctive exhibitions to Chinese audiences. In recent years, exhibitions of Greek archaeological artifacts have been displayed in cities such as Shanghai, Changsha, Nanjing, and Beijing, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors keen to explore Greece’s prehistoric and historical civilizations. He said that more exhibitions are planned for other cities in the future. He believes that by presenting these classic and world-renowned cultural relics, the exhibitions can inspire cross-border cultural exchanges and bring the hearts of the two peoples closer through the power of culture.
Kent Wong said that the choice of the Palace Museum to hold this exhibition allows people to appreciate invaluable treasures without traveling abroad, offering a chance to appreciate the timeless charm of ancient Greek civilization right in Beijing. Chow Tai Fook is committed to enhancing exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, promoting excellent traditional culture and craftsmanship globally, and fostering international cultural dialogue and exchange.
Exploring the Roots of Ancient Greek Civilization: “Minoan Culture”
The special exhibition “Daedalus: Legends of Crete” takes the legendary figure of Daedalus — the master craftsman of Greek mythology — as its narrative thread. It combines mythological tales with archaeological findings to present the Minoan culture of the Bronze Age on Crete Island — an important source of ancient Greek civilization.
The Minoan culture, one of Europe’s earliest Bronze Age civilizations, is celebrated for its grand palace architecture, exquisite murals, highly developed maritime trade networks, and unique writing systems. The exhibition’s namesake theme, “Daedalus,” draws on the mythical figure symbolizing craftsmanship and creativity, famous for building the Labyrinth and creating wax wings.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses one of the world’s most important collections of Minoan artifacts. This exhibition is China’s first special exhibition focusing on Minoan culture, featuring 172 pieces (sets) of precious artifacts from the museum’s collection and one modern replica. The exhibition is divided into six sections: “Mythology,” “Labyrinth,” “Bronze,” “Craftsmanship,” “Statues,” and “Voyages,” presenting the achievements of Minoan culture from approximately 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE.
The exhibition brings the iconic Knossos Palace site to the Gallery of the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu men), offering an immersive experience. Visitors can follow Daedalus’ journey from mythical tales into the tangible archaeological world, exploring the beauty of Minoan architecture, murals, writing, bronze, painted pottery, gold ornaments, stone tools, seals, and sculpture.
A special concluding section, “Moonlight Over the Sea,” displays 13 significant artifacts from the Palace Museum’s collection, dating from China’s late Neolithic period to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. This section highlights the diversity and shared features of early human civilizations.
This exhibition, based on mutual respect and new museology approaches, is a collaborative achievement between curators from the Palace Museum and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It sets a new example for the Palace Museum in planning and introducing overseas exhibitions.
As one of the key exhibitions celebrating the centenary of the Palace Museum, the event will also feature a series of academic lectures and educational programs designed to enhance public appreciation of ancient civilizations and foster continued cultural cooperation between China and Greece in heritage preservation, research, and public engagement, thus breaking new ground for international cultural exchange and writing a new chapter for inter-civilizational dialogue.
Visitors should scan the QR code at the entrance of the exhibition hall to enter.
2025-04-01

Where the World’s Garden Arts Meet: A Celebration of Chinese Cultural Elegance “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World” Opens at the Palace Museum
The Palace Museum is proud to unveil the “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World” exhibition, which will run from April 1 to June 29, 2025. Co-organized with the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), the exhibition unfolds within the Meridian Gate (Wu men) complex, which comprises the central main hall and two symmetrically positioned Swallow-Wing Pavilions (Yanchi Towers) that extend east and west like embracing wings.
The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held at the Hall of Embodied Treasures (Baoyun lou) on March 31, with Lou Wei, executive vice president of the Palace Museum, presiding over the ceremony. Opening remarks were delivered by Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, followed by speeches from James Rondeau, director of the AIC; Élisabeth Maisonnier, chief curator of the Palace of Versailles; and Lester G. Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy.
The opening ceremony gathered nearly one hundred distinguished guests, including Gu Yucai, president of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics; Liu Shuguang, chairman of the Chinese Museums Association; Li Rusheng, chairman of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture; Du Haijiang, vice president and secretary of the CPC Leadership Group of the Palace Museum; and Wen Dayan, director general of the Department of Exchanges and Cooperation (Office for the Return of Lost Cultural Relics) of the National Cultural Heritage Administration. Also present were representatives from the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office) of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China International Communications Group, the Beijing Municipal Government, the Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation and other related associations, societies, and foundations. Members of the current and former leadership of the Palace Museum also attended. The exhibition enjoys full support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club and exclusive sponsorship from the Institute of Philanthropy.
Wang Xudong stated in his opening remarks that since the Global Civilization Initiative was first proposed, the Palace Museum has pioneered new paradigms for global cultural dialogue, creating sustainable platforms that connect China’s fine traditional culture with worldwide audiences through innovative approaches. He hoped that this exhibition will not only promote the sustainable development of cultural heritage but provide references and inspiration for the development of modern society.
James Rondeau remarked that since its establishment in 1879, the AIC has always adhered to its mission of inspiring exploration and intellectual exchange by creating artistic experiences that transcend time, civilizations, and cultures. He expressed his wish that the seeds of civilizational exchange and mutual learning sown today will continue to blossom in the future, bringing inspiration and enlightenment to countless visitors.
Élisabeth Maisonnier stated that the Palace of Versailles attached great importance to this event and lent valuable paintings depicting the palace and its gardens to this exhibition. This event builds on last year’s successful collaborative exhibition “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: Exchanges Between China and France in the 17th and 18th Centuries,” further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.
Lester G. Huang stated that this exhibition is a key component of the “Initiative for Global Promotion of Chinese Civilization and Cultivation of Cultural-Tech Talents”—a collaborative effort between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Institute of Philanthropy, and the Palace Museum. By integrating art and technology, the program aims to nurture cultural-tech professionals, promote Chinese culture, and foster international exchange.
Six Themes Revealing the Joy of Woods and Springs
The exhibition takes its title, “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs,” from Emperor Qianlong’s poem inscribed on the displayed Scroll Painting of the Gaotu Vihara Pavilion. “Woods and Springs” are symbolic of the idealized natural landscapes evoked by ancient Chinese literati. “Rejoicing in Woods and Springs” conveys the idea of living in harmony with nature through gardens.
The exhibition is divided into six sections, which are Gardens and Enlightenment,” “Gardens and Antiquarianism,” “Gardens and Natures,” “Gardens and Retreats,” “Gardens and Inspiration,” and “Gardens and Recreation.” Through a collection bringing together more than 200 representative domestic and international exhibits, this event ingeniously integrates garden landscapes with literature, theatre and historical stories. Rooted in classical Chinese gardens yet embracing horticultural traditions worldwide, this exhibition orchestrates a dialogue across time and space to unveil the artistic grandeur and philosophical depth embedded in global garden artistry.
Visitors can explore classical Chinese gardens through this exhibition, such as the Northern Song (960-1127) scholar Wang Shen’s private garden, which served as the legendary site of the West Garden Gathering; Suzhou’s Dinghui Temple Garden; and the Qianlong Garden’s blending of the elegance of southern literati gardens with the grandeur of northern imperial gardens, which was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong following his inspection tours of Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River). Visitors can also discover diverse foreign gardens: Pompeian villa gardens in Italy, medieval monastic gardens, the Versailles’ garden in France, Edo-period Japanese Gardens, and Monet’s garden at Giverny. Through architectural models, detailed reconstructions and digitally immersive historical recreations, the exhibition vividly demonstrates the design philosophy behind the Forbidden City’s imperial gardens.
The exhibition features over 200 artifacts, including ancient Chinese calligraphies and paintings, cultural relics and antique furniture from the imperial palace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), as well as exotic masterpieces such as Western oil paintings, sculptures, Japanese ukiyo-e prints, and Persian miniatures. Notably, 70 of them are from the AIC, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Yale Center for British Art, the Palace of Versailles, the National Museum of China, and the Tianjin Museum. Professor Zhu Yufan and his team from the Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University participated in the coordination and design of this exhibition. The exhibition also received support from the Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation.
Garden-inspired Cultural Creations at the Meridian Gate Companion Catalog Coming in April
The Northeast Chonglou Tower, one of the Meridian Gate’s side pavilions, has been repurposed into a cultural innovation gallery for this special exhibition. This immersive exhibition space artfully blends abstract spatial design with Giuseppe Castiglione’s Album of Flowers and Birds, creating a uniquely engaging visitor experience.
Dozens of garden-themed cultural and creative products will make their debut, with designs drawing inspiration from both domestic and international exhibits. These exhibits include Monthly Flower Cups, made during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, an embroidered green satin adorned with moon-hare and chrysanthemum motifs of the Qing Dynasty, Monet’s Water Lilies, Katsushika Hokusai’s Bellflower and Dragonfly and Henry Fletcher’s The Twelve Months of Flowers. This exhibition achieves a sophisticated fusion of traditional culture and modern design.
The exhibition’s accompanying catalog, Rejoicing in Woods and Springs: A Journey through Garden Cultures in China and the Wider World, is scheduled for publication in April 2025. The catalog consists of two sections: Exhibition Section and Research Section. The Exhibition Section features high-definition photos of all artifacts displayed in the exhibition. The Research Section contains eight academic articles by seven experts from the Palace Museum and Tsinghua University, conducting research and discussions on Chinese and foreign gardens from multiple perspectives such as architecture, gardening, cultural relics, and art.
No separate ticket is required—the exhibition is free with Palace Museum admission. Visitors may make real-name reservations through the Palace Museum’s multilingual website (https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn).