Exhibition on Images of China through Foreign Eyes from the National Museum of China's Collection Opens to the Public

 

On May 30, the exhibition Seeing and Perceiving: Images of China through Foreign Eyes from the National Museum of China's Collection opened to the public at the National Museum of China (NMC). The exhibition is hosted by the NMC, with support from the China Internet Information Center under the China International Communications Group.

 

This exhibition features about 300 recently acquired images of China seen through foreign eyes, arranged chronologically in three thematic units: "Seeing from Afar," "Gazing," and "Perceiving." The images trace a journey from romanticized visions of China imagined from overseas, to on-the-ground observations during the country's modern transformation, and finally to the vitality captured after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. They reflect the evolution of foreign perceptions of China, while also inviting us to look back at our own path of revival and to understand the diverse perspectives and civilizational essence of seeing China.

 

Images of China from abroad, crossing seas and time, capture distant imaginations, inquisitive gazes, and heartfelt insights. From export wares and classical Chinese illustrated books, to the struggles and resistance of modern times and the vitality of the founding of the People's Republic of China—each image is a historical footnote. Together, they tell the story of Chinese civilization’s enduring character and its steadfast belief in peace and a better future.

 

An exhibition may have its time, but cross-cultural dialogue knows no end. May every visitor, on this journey of "seeing and perceiving," look back on history, experience the present and embrace a real, multi-dimensional and tangible China through diverse perspectives. May dialogue among civilizations shine forever.

 

 

 

May 30, 2026 onward

Gallery N8