On September 28, the Beijing Minsheng Modern Art Museum held a media and volunteer meeting for its upcoming exhibition, “The Origins of Civilization: An Exploration of Early Chinese Civilization,” set to officially open to the public on October 1. This exhibition is a collaborative project involving over 30 cultural and historical institutions across China and will be available for viewing for six months, concluding on March 31, 2025.
The exhibition is organized into three main sections: “All Nations Under Heaven | The Radiance of Civilization,” “Gathering of States | The Rise of Ancient Kingdoms,” and “This Is China | The Ascendancy of Dynasties.” Each section highlights distinct historical periods—ancient times, the era of multiple kingdoms, and the rise of dynasties—bringing together a rich array of cultural artifacts and interactive artistic installations that promise an engaging experience for visitors.
Following more than a year of curatorial planning, the exhibition features over 400 artifacts sourced from prestigious institutions, including the Palace Museum, Shaanxi History Museum, Sichuan Provincial Museum of Archaeology, Liangzhu Museum, Erlitou Museum, Yinxu Museum, and Sanxingdui Museum. As part of the museum’s ongoing “Civilization Series,” this exhibition seeks to provide a comprehensive view of the origins, development, and significant achievements of Chinese civilization, inspiring contemporary audiences to connect with their roots and aspirations.
In addition to the notable artifacts on display, visitors can expect large-scale artistic installations that enhance the overall immersive experience. The exhibition takes attendees on a journey through the rich histories of thirteen major cultural sites, incorporating artifacts, sculptures, new media art, and AI interactions to create a dynamic narrative of early Chinese civilization. This innovative approach invites all who attend to actively engage in a fascinating exploration of history across key sites like Yangshao, Hongshan, Liangzhu, Erlitou, Yinxu, and Sanxingdui.
Throughout the exhibition, the museum plans to host a variety of public art education activities, including thematic forums, academic lectures, youth study programs, and a range of art workshops, all aimed at enhancing the exhibition’s interactivity and appeal.
This exhibition is organized by the Beijing Minsheng Modern Art Museum, with support from several organizations, including the Minsheng Calligraphy Art Museum, Shanghai Minsheng Modern Art Museum, Beijing Minsheng Chinese Calligraphy Public Welfare Foundation, Beijing Minsheng Cultural and Art Foundation, and Shanghai Minsheng Art Foundation. It is proudly sponsored by China Minsheng Bank.