On December 31, the Guangdong Museum and Beijing Shengxuan Cultural Group jointly opened Lingering Gaze: Curated Art Collections from the 16th to 20th Century at the Guangdong Museum.

The exhibition features nearly 400 pieces/sets of artistic treasures from multiple national and international institutions, including the Guangdong Museum, the Palace Museum, the Capital Museum, the Ming Tombs Administration of Changping District of Beijing Municipality, the Inner Mongolia Museum, the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the Guizhou Provincial Museum, the Fujian Museum, the Chengdu Museum, the Changsha Museum, the Guangzhou Museum, the Dingzhou Museum, the Istone Mineral Park, the Liang Yi Museum (Hong Kong), the Annamode Foundation (Italy), and the FAC Foundation. The exhibits range from evening bags and powder compacts to gowns and jewellery, each an eloquent witness to history and a manifestation of aesthetic sophistication and skilled craftsmanship. Together, they recount centuries of artistic exchange, social transformation, and the convergence of Eastern and Western aesthetics from the 16th to the 20th century.

The exhibition is organized into three sections: “Masterful Craftsmanship” presents materials, techniques, and motifs that reflect the exquisite artistry of the treasures; “Artistic Reflections of Eras” traces how these objects developed, transformed, and innovated in response to social change in different eras; “East–West Resonance” explores how jewellery and luxury objects reflect cross-cultural encounters and new artistic syntheses.

The exhibition adopts a design philosophy of diversity, integration, and immersive experience. Minimalist contemporary aesthetics are combined with immersive interactive technologies such as multimedia installations and mirrored environments to create a cosmic, star-filled ambiance. Featured zones combine dynamic and static displays, creating spaces with immersive photo spots highlighting star exhibits, allowing visitors to enjoy an interactive experience while appreciating the treasures. Custom-made low-reflection shrine-style display cases are ergonomically designed to align naturally with visitors’ sightlines. The lighting scheme avoids glare while accentuating the brilliance of the objects. Thoughtful circulation planning and varied display rhythms reflect the distinctive qualities of both Western opulence and Eastern elegance.

A series of immersive and interactive educational programs accompanies the exhibition, including DIY craft workshops, role-play sessions, and colour-therapy experiences. Accessibility services include sign-language tours and tactile floor plans for the visually impaired. Please stay tuned for the activity schedule released on the Guangdong Museum's WeChat official account. Cultural and creative products, covering nearly a hundred designs inspired by the exhibition’s themes, are available to meet diverse visitor needs. Themed desserts—such as handbag- and high-heel-shaped sweets—and drinks inspired by exhibited materials and patterns further extend the exhibition experience.

Let us appreciate the elegance and brilliance of the exhibition together. This exhibition officially opened on 1 January 2025 in the Special Exhibition Hall on the 3rd floor of the Guangdong Museum and runs until June 2. (Ticketed exhibition: full price RMB 68; half price RMB 34). Tickets are available on the Guangdong Museum official mini-program and on the “Hello Museum” mini-program.

Highlights