A much-anticipated exhibition titled “Civilizations of the Great Rivers” was inaugurated at the Ningbo Museum in East China’s Zhejiang Province on July 6. Showcasing an impressive collection of 200 cultural relics from Italy’s major museums and China’s cultural and heritage institutions, the exhibition offers an immersive journey through the enduring narratives of both civilizations.
This collaborative endeavor is co-hosted by the Ningbo Museum and the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center, and is supported by four esteemed Italian museums – the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Museum, the Museum of Oriental Art in Turin, and the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture in Rome.
Italian Ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti, and the Consul General of Italy in Shanghai, Tiziana D’Angelo, graced the opening ceremony of the exhibition, underscoring the significance of this intercultural endeavor.
The exhibits encompass artifacts from the Liangzhu civilization and the Erlitou culture, telling a compelling story about the continuous evolution of Chinese civilization over the past 5,000 years. One of the key highlights of the exhibition is the final section devoted to the “Silk Road.” It symbolically links rivers with oceans, illustrating the interconnection of civilizations and their mutual influence.
This convergence of diverse artifacts under one roof demonstrates the ongoing dialogues between different civilizations. It provides visitors a unique perspective on how cultural exchanges and integration have led to the emergence of new societal dynamics and shared cultural narratives.
The exhibition represents a milestone in the cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Italy, illuminating the splendors of each country’s rich historical tapestry.
Ningbo has witnessed significant strides in its collaboration with Italian sister cities over the past years. These joint efforts extend beyond economic trade to the promotion of historical heritage, cultural and artistic research, and the exchange of expertise in the restoration of cultural relics. This exhibition is another glowing testament to the deepening of bilateral exchanges between the two countries.
Post the exhibition opening, Ambassador Ambrosetti visited the Tianyige Museum, an institution renowned for its extensive collection of books and its dedication to the preservation of literary works. His visit highlighted the shared respect for history, literature, and culture that characterizes the bilateral ties between Italy and China.
The “Civilizations of the Great Rivers” exhibition is set to run until October 8, inviting visitors to explore the intertwined narratives of Chinese and Italian civilizations through their distinctive cultural relics.
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