The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM or the Museum) proudly presents the upcoming special exhibition titled “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries” (“The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles”), which will open on 18 December 2024. Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles” is jointly organised by the HKPM, the Palace Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. This exhibition also marks the first time when prized treasures from the two World Heritage Sites, the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles, are featured and juxtaposed in one exhibition in Hong Kong.
Nearly 150 magnificent treasures from the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles have arrived in Hong Kong. The curatorial and conservation teams from the three museums have meticulously conducted condition checks and installation in preparation for this spectacular exhibition. This 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. The Hong Kong Maritime Museum and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library have also provided a number of loans.
The exhibition highlights a rich history of mutual admiration, inspiration, and exchange in the fields of culture, arts, science, and beyond between the courts of China and France during the latter half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century. The diverse artefacts on display include royal portraits, exquisite porcelains, glassware, enamelware, and textiles, as well as books and scientific instruments. Among the exhibits are nine first-grade Chinese national treasures from the Palace Museum, alongside recent acquisitions from the collection of the Palace of Versailles. Many of these prized works are being displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.
Highlights from the Palace Museum:
- The chrysanthemum pot (1783) was “commissioned by China but made in France”. The pot was long believed to be a Guangdong-made gift from officials to the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795). Recently, Palace Museum experts have uncovered a small hidden red inscription that reads “Coteau”, indicating that it was created by the renowned French enameller Joseph Coteau (1740–1812). A prized item in the collection of the Qianlong Emperor, this exquisite pot embodies the interaction and convergence of techniques and aesthetics between China and France.
- The quiver and bow case, designed to hold bows and arrows, was made between 1736 and 1795 and decorated with French-made brocade with a symmetrical “lace-patterned” design. This type of brocade, mainly produced in France, was in vogue during the 1720s. During this period, China was a major centre for silk production, exporting large quantities of Chinese silk to France, much to the delight of the French populace. The Qing court also attempted to produce silk fabric featuring French silk patterns. These practices evidenced the role of silk as an important medium in the exchange of craftsmanship between China and France.
Highlights from the Palace of Versailles:
- The perfume fountain (1736–1743) exemplifies how Chinese porcelains were collected and adorned by the French court. Originally placed in the king’s wardrobe, it holds the distinction of being the only known Chinese porcelain with evidence of Louis XV (r. 1715–1774)’s ownership. Produced by ceramic artisans in Jingdezhen, China, this piece imitates Chinese Ge ware in glaze. The exquisite gilded bronze mounts were likely made in France based on sketches by French artisans. In the flamboyant French Rococo style, this work testifies to the vital cultural exchange and convergence between China and France.
- The portrait of the Qianlong Emperor on porcelain plaque (1776) was based on a painting created by the Italian Jesuit missionary Giuseppe Panzi (1733–1812), who served China’s Qing court. This portrait on the porcelain plaque was created in France at the Sèvres Manufactory under royal patronage. Louis XVI (r. 1774–1792) acquired this porcelain plaque in 1776 and displayed it in his study at the Palace of Versailles. Reportedly, he later obtained an identical piece and presented it as a diplomatic gift to the Qianlong Emperor.
In conjunction with this exhibition, the Museum will launch dynamic and diverse educational activities, including public talks and innovative family workshops, which combine interactive theatre with artmaking activities, allowing participants to travel back to the era of the Kangxi Emperor and Louis XIV. Throughout the exhibition period, visitors are invited to take part in a special in-gallery learning activity and “earn” a beautiful commemorative postcard inspired by the exhibition. Further details regarding learning activities and programmes will be announced on the Museum’s website and social media pages.
“The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles” will be open to the public from 18 December 2024 through 4 May 2025 in Gallery 9 of the HKPM. Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at HK$150 for adults and HK$75 for concessions*. Holders of a Full Access Ticket, priced at HK$180 for adults and HK$90 for concessions*, can access this exhibition and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” in Gallery 8, as well as other thematic exhibitions (Galleries 1 to 7) on the same day. Tickets are available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.
*Concessions are available to children aged 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (with one companion), and CSSA recipients.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to become a leading institution on the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue between world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum and is funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum combines a Hong Kong perspective with a global vision to present precious artefacts from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum aims to build international partnerships and position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the local community, the Museum strives to inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About the Palace Museum
Established in 1925, The Palace Museum is a broadly representative national museum. It is housed on the grounds of the palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties known as the Forbidden City and its collection is based on Ming and Qing imperial collections. In 1961, the State Council named it a Nationally Protected Key Cultural Heritage Site, and in 1987 it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Palace Museum became a national 5A tourist attraction in 2007. The following year, it was among the first Chinese museums recognized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration as a first-grade museum. Covering over one million square metres, the architectural compound under The Palace Museum’s administration consists of around 9,000 bays (internal spaces defined by columns) of Ming and Qing era structures, making it the world’s largest and best-preserved historical palatial complex.
Today, The Palace Museum is an unparalleled art treasure house with a vast collection of over 1.86 million pieces in twenty-five major categories. It showcases the time-honoured and splendid Chinese civilisation to the public through its imperial palace architecture; the display of original interior settings to illustrate the history of the imperial court; galleries dedicated to decorative arts, timepieces, paintings, calligraphic works, ceramics, and sculptures; and thematic exhibitions.
About the Palace of Versailles
A jewel of world heritage recognized by UNESCO since 1979, the Palace of Versailles is at once a royal residence, a museum of French history established by Louis-Philippe, the King of the French, and a seat of government where the two chambers of Parliament meet when united in Congress.
In addition to its three historic dwellings – the Palace itself, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon – the Estate of Versailles gives pride of place to nature with a sweeping baroque garden adorned with groves and fountains designed by André Le Nôtre, a French landscape architect, as well as the Trianon Gardens, the Queen’s Hamlet – a royal refuge created by Marie-Antoinette, the queen of France – a wooded park surrounding the Grand Canal, and, since 2009, the Estate of Marly.
Visitors come to Versailles from around the world to admire collections of artwork featuring more than 70,000 paintings, furniture pieces, sculptures, objets d’art, rare books, sketches, engravings, and carriages. A veritable compendium of French history from the 17th century to the current day, the former royal residence exemplifies French elegance and art de vivre, alongside consummate savoir-faire.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on 40 hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing 23 hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk/
About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund
The Mega ACE Fund set up by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to attract and support international or large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong. It targets mega arts and cultural events in Hong Kong organised by the private sector or non-governmental organisations, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural metropolis as well as a tourist destination, providing development opportunities for the arts, cultural and creative sectors, and fostering Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
About Cathay
Cathay is a premium travel lifestyle brand that brings together all that we love about travel with everyday lifestyle. The range of products and services includes flights, holidays, shopping, dining, wellness, and payment. All our travel lifestyle offerings are designed to bring customers exciting offers, rewards, and experiences with hand-picked partners.
Flights are provided by Hong Kong’s home carrier Cathay Pacific, a premium full-service airline and a founding member of the oneworld global alliance. Cathay also includes the Group’s cargo division Cathay Cargo, and low-cost carrier HK Express. We are a member of the Swire Group and are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) as a public company.
For more than seven decades, Cathay Pacific has been connecting our home city of Hong Kong to the world. Now we are bringing that connection to more of our customers’ lives. The new era of Cathay elevates their every bite, tap, step, stay, and flight to greater heights. http://www.cathay.com
About Tigillus Foundation
Tigillus Foundation works regionally and globally to foster better understanding for Chinese culture through soft powers drawn from its rich history and vibrant culture. The founder Mr David H.Y. Chang is Chinese-born, Western-educated, and built a career across multiple continents. He is a keen amateur historian and sees history as a good place to start for self-reflection – a process which forms our self-understanding, identity, and path forward. He believes that in the midst of fast-changing times, it is vital for the younger generation to play their part and promote dialogues between Eastern and Western cultures, so as to resolve misunderstandings and deepen mutual appreciations with each other.
Tigillus Foundation is committed to elevating the world’s understanding of Chinese cultural heritage through arts, culture, and education in the global context. The foundation passionately sponsors and hosts events that celebrate and promote Chinese culture through philanthropic efforts worldwide, and passionately supports the establishment of professorships, scholarships, and fellowships across the region. Its mission is to inspire the study of Chinese history and its profound impact on the world throughout the millennia – as the empire rose and fell. To learn more about the Foundation and its mission, please visit: https://tigillus.org/
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the exhibition “The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries” only, but does not otherwise take part in it. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the materials/activities (or by members of the grantee’s team) are those of the organisers of the exhibition only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
