In the 17th and 18th 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 geographic distance between them, the courts in Beijing and Versailles were keenly curious about one another. Led by a number of enlightened rulers and facilitated by travelling French missionaries, China and France embarked on extensive and impactful exchanges.
This special exhibition presents nearly 150 spectacular treasures from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, illuminating the fascinating encounters and exchanges between China and France in science, artisanship, arts, culture, and philosophy during the 17th and 18th centuries. The objects on display tell stories of the special bonds forged between China and France through mutual admiration and respect, which provided new incentives to expand skills and knowledge and create new art forms. Together, people in China and France created a splendid chapter in the history of world cultural exchange.
The exhibition is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Palace Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. The exhibits mainly come from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum and the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library have also provided a number of loans. The exhibition is financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.*
Cathay is the Lead Sponsor, and Tigillus Foundation and Centurion from American Express are the Major Sponsors of this special exhibition.
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Jointly organised by:
Project Grant:
* The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Lead sponsor:
Major sponsors:
(Left) The Qianlong Emperor in Court Attire
Court painters
Qing dynasty, Qianlong period (1736–1795)
Hanging scroll, ink and colours on silk
© The Palace Museum
(Right) Louis XIV in Coronation Mantle
Hyacinthe Rigaud (Catalan-French, 1659–1743)
1701–1712
Oil on canvas
The Palace of Versailles, MV 3563
© Château de Versailles, Dist. RMN © Christophe Fouin
