In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Forbidden City in China and the Palace of Versailles in France each stood as the centre of their respective countries’ political, cultural, and artistic life. Despite the vast geographical distance between them, the courts within the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles were keenly curious about one another. Led by two courts and facilitated by travelling French missionaries, China and France embarked on extensive and impactful exchanges.
This special exhibition presents nearly 150 spectacular treasures, primarily from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, and explores the fascinating encounters between China and France in science, technology, arts, culture, and philosophy during the seventeenth to the eighteenth centuries. This exhibition tells stories of the unique bonds between China and France forged by mutual admiration and respect for each other, which provided new incentives for skills, knowledge, and art forms. Together, peoples in China and France created a splendid chapter in the history of cultural exchanges among world civilisations.
The exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Palace Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum have generously provided loans. Cathay is the Lead Sponsor of this exhibition, and Centurion from American Express is the Major Sponsor.
Jointly organised by:
Lead sponsor:
Major sponsor:
(Left) The Qianlong Emperor in Court Attire
Court painter(s)
Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736–1795)
Hanging scroll, ink and colour on silk
The Palace Museum
© The Palace Museum
(Right) Louis XIV in Coronation Robe
Hyacinthe Rigaud (Catalan-French, 1659–1743)
1701–1712
Oil on canvas
The Palace of Versailles, MV 3563
© Château de Versailles, Dist. RMN © Christophe Fouin
