Palace Museum Hundred Year Transformation Celebrated in Exclusive Exhibition at Durham Oriental Museum in UK
To mark the centenary of one of China’s most prestigious cultural institutions, Durham’s Oriental Museum is hosting an exclusive exhibition titled “Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum”. This exhibition, running until 31 May 2026, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Palace Museum, which was founded in 1925 on the site of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
Notably, this is the only place outside China where this photography exhibition is being held, offering an incredible opportunity for people to experience the evolution and transformation of this iconic institution. The exhibition traces the remarkable journey of the Palace Museum, offering visitors an immersive look into its history and significance.
The Legacy of the Forbidden City
The Palace Museum began as the imperial residence for 24 emperors of China. Its origins date back over 500 years, when it served as the heart of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The exhibition’s first section focuses on the Forbidden City, which has long been a symbol of imperial China. Through a detailed photographic collection, visitors are shown the Forbidden City as it once stood, revealing the grandeur of its architecture and its cultural importance as the political centre of China for over five centuries.
While the Forbidden City has always been a historical marvel, the exhibition highlights how it evolved into the Palace Museum. The transformation came during a turbulent period in Chinese history when the nation faced political upheaval. The exhibition captures these monumental changes, allowing visitors to appreciate how the Palace Museum was established as a national treasure trove, preserving China’s imperial history and cultural artifacts.
A Century of Preservation and Transformation
The journey of the Palace Museum is not just about its beginnings. The exhibition provides insight into the major efforts made to protect and preserve the museum’s invaluable treasures, particularly during the period of Japanese invasion from 1931 to 1945. Visitors will learn how the museum’s artifacts were safeguarded in the face of war, and how these efforts played a vital role in the survival of China’s cultural heritage.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Palace Museum underwent significant changes. This part of the exhibition explores the major preservation and academic projects that followed, detailing how the museum evolved into a world-renowned institution for research, cultural exploration, and international collaboration.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be offered a deeper understanding of the Palace Museum’s global significance, with a particular focus on its development into a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its importance as a cultural destination that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Partnership and Academic Collaboration
The exhibition also highlights the long-standing relationship between the Palace Museum and Durham University. Representatives from the Palace Museum, including Deputy Director Zhu Hongwen, and Tang Rui, Consul-General of the Chinese Embassy in Manchester, visited Durham to preview the exhibition. Their visit underscores the academic collaboration between Durham University and the Palace Museum, which includes student and staff exchanges, professional development, and public engagement efforts.
The partnership is further deepened by Durham’s historical connection with the Forbidden City. In a notable first for an English university, Durham’s archaeological team was granted permission to excavate within the walls of the Forbidden City, a testament to the strong academic ties and the ongoing efforts to bridge cultural and historical gaps between the East and the West. This collaboration has paved the way for mutual learning and greater understanding of China’s rich cultural heritage.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Visitors to the Oriental Museum can expect an immersive experience that spans over a century of transformation, from the heart of imperial China to one of the world’s most renowned museums. Through photographs, artifacts, and academic insights, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness the cultural evolution of the Palace Museum and its role in preserving Chinese history for future generations.
As the only venue outside of China to host this extraordinary exhibition, the Oriental Museum in Durham serves as an exclusive platform for global audiences to explore the depth and richness of Chinese cultural heritage. The exhibition not only commemorates the Palace Museum’s past but also looks ahead to its future as a beacon of cultural preservation and international cooperation.
Visit the Exhibition at Durham’s Oriental Museum
The “Journey of a Century” exhibition runs until 31 May 2026 at the Oriental Museum, located on Elvet Hill in Durham City. This exhibition offers an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in history, art, and culture to explore one of the world’s most fascinating museums from a fresh and insightful perspective. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from afar, this exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to experience a century of transformation in Chinese heritage.
[Image Credit: Durham University]
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