Nearly 280 Greek Artifacts Make Inaugural Appearance at National Museum of China

On November 5, the National Museum of China will host an exhibition of nearly 280 Greek artifacts, offering Chinese audiences a glimpse into the splendor of ancient Greece. This event, as announced in a recent press release from the museum, promises to enrich the cultural landscape by showcasing these treasures.

Titled “The Countless Aspects of Beauty in Ancient Art,” the exhibition represents a collaborative endeavor between the National Museum of China and Greece’s Hellenic National Archaeological Museum. With backing from the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Culture and Sport, the exhibition delves into the enduring pursuit and varied expressions of “beauty” in ancient Greek culture, stretching from the Neolithic era to the end of the Hellenistic period, covering nearly 5,000 years.

Chinese and Greek experts are diligently organizing the exhibition, drawing admiration from local staff who are captivated by the marble statues and intricate golden ornaments. The showcased artifacts emphasize the central role of “beauty” in ancient Greek culture and demonstrate how the Greeks achieved personal transcendence through their artistic exploration.

A notable piece highlighted by a Greek expert in the exhibition is a marble kouros statue from the 5th century BC, which reflects the aristocratic ideals of the Archaic period. These representations of deities or youthful mortals, characterized by a mysterious smile and heroic nudity, symbolize eternal youth, beauty, vigor, and life’s promising aspirations.

Most of these artifacts, originating from the National Archaeological Museum, will be displayed outside Greece for the first time.

Zhu Xiaoyun, the Chinese curator and director of the Department of International Relations at the National Museum of China, shared with the Global Times that the exhibition is centered on “beauty” and explores ancient Greek aesthetics from three angles: “daily life,” “adornment,” and “human body.”

Zhu aims to challenge the stereotype that ancient Greece is synonymous solely with the Classical period. The exhibition spans a remarkable 5,000 years, featuring a restored statue modeled after the Hellenistic Cnidian Aphrodite of Praxiteles from around 300 BC, making its debut outside Greece.

Visitors will enjoy a multi-sensory experience with elements such as music, multimedia, and fragrances, underscoring the complex nature of “beauty.” The exhibition culminates with an ancient Greek theater space designed for immersive experiences, youth education, and academic dialogues on “beauty,” highlighting the connection between ancient Greek philosophy and aesthetics through dramatic arts.

The exhibition will be open until June 5, 2025.