Exhibition zooms in on charms of Forbidden City and Prince Kung's Palace

On Nov 25, the exhibition Flourishing Times, New Beginnings — A Visual Journey from Cultural Heritage to Enriched Life was simultaneously opened to the public at the Palace of Prolonging Happiness (Yanxi Gong) of the Palace Museum and the Jiale Hall of Prince Kung's Palace Museum, marking their first collaborative effort to connect the two historical and cultural institutions through imagery.

More than 200 photographs featuring ancient architecture, natural scenery, and human interactions in the two complexes take visitors on a journey of "visual archaeology", revealing how these structures have maintained their cultural essence amid physical changes.

Unfolding in the main hall and two side halls of the Jiale Hall courtyard, the exhibition begins with accentuating the "ritual order" of the Forbidden City and the "aesthetics of daily life" discovered in Prince Kung's Palace, complemented by charming seasonal views. Visitors can experience a transition from the grandeur of the state palace to the leisurely enjoyment of the princely residence.

In the second chapter, technologies are used to juxtapose historical and contemporary images. This not only deepens understanding of cultural heritage preservation, but also reflects on how imaging technologies evolve as forms of historical evidence.

The mottled textures of images produced by special techniques like cyanotype and wet plate processing echo the transformations of architecture across time.

Some images are transferred onto bricks, wood, and other materials used in ancient architectural conservation. Their varied textures evoke layers of stories and memories, forming a tactile "visual archive" of historical buildings.

The final chapter captures vivid moments of visitors within these ancient architectural spaces, illustrating how cultural heritage truly becomes part of everyday life.

Not just a display of architectural beauty, the exhibition invites visitors to consider: How can these historical buildings continue to express themselves in the contemporary context and become cultural genes that link past and future?