Cultural Affairs Bureau
This year, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Palace Museum have once again collaborated to present the large-scale exhibition, Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum. This exhibition not only provides a rare opportunity for the Macao residents and visitors to appreciate precious cultural relics but also serves as a bridge to our rich history. It represents another step forward in Macao’s goal of building ‘One Base’ – a hub for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and different cultures co-exist.
The Palace Museum, established on the site of the Ming and Qing royal palaces, is a witness and guardian of Chinese history. It preserves the magnificent architecture of the imperial palace and houses countless valuable artefacts, reflecting the social and cultural legacy of various Chinese dynasties. Offering insights into the Palace's rich history, this exhibition will take audiences closer to the Palace of Double Brilliance (Chonghua Gong), where Emperor Qianlong resided as a prince. The palace had been a steadfast companion to the emperor for seventy-two years, witnessing his remarkable life from youth to old age.
With his wisdom and political acumen, the emperor led the Qing dynasty to the High Qing Era, becoming one of the most renowned emperors in Chinese history. Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum is divided into four sections and features over 130 pieces/sets of artefacts from the Palace Museum’s collection. These exquisite and historically significant exhibits showcase the emperor’s remarkable achievements as a ruler. They also reveal various aspects of his private life, including his roles as a son and a husband. Audiences will gain a comprehensive understanding of the emperor’s accomplishments and personal charm from different perspectives, experiencing the brilliance of that historical period and the rich cultural heritage of the Palace of Double Brilliance.
On behalf of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, I would like to express gratitude to the Palace Museum and all collaborating institutions for their generous support! We sincerely hope that this exhibition will allow audiences to experience the grandeur of Emperor Qianlong’s prosperous era and deepen their sense of identity and belonging to Chinese culture. We eagerly anticipate this cultural feast, which will enrich Macao’s cultural scene and bring more joy and honour to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
We wish the exhibition great success!
Deland, Leong Wai Man
President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government