The exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” opened on April 22 at the Gallery of Painting and Calligraphy of the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian) in the Palace Museum.

Running from April 22 to June 21, 2026, the exhibition brings together 55 horse-themed works from the museum’s collection. The selection highlights the vitality and expressive power of horses in Chinese art while showcasing the depth and enduring appeal of traditional culture.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” is held in Beijing, April 21, 2026.

The opening ceremony took place on April 21 at the Hall of Literary Brilliance (Wenhua dian). Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, and Lester Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), attended and delivered remarks. Lou Wei, executive deputy director of the Palace Museum, presided over the event. The exhibition is exclusively sponsored by the IoP.

Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” in Beijing, April 21, 2026.

Wang said the horse symbolizes perseverance and steady progress, which resonates with the Palace Museum’s guiding principles of integrity, reverence, and dedication to heritage preservation. He noted that the exhibition aims to promote the uplifting spirit of resilience, encourage appreciation of classical masterpieces, and offer insight into the social history and cultural values reflected in artworks from different periods, thus allowing visitors to understand the vastness and profundity of Chinese culture.

Lester Huang, chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, speaks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Divine Steeds: The World of Horses in the Palace Museum’s Painting and Calligraphy Collections” in Beijing, April 21, 2026.