Nearly half a million visitors showed up to enjoy the Princes and Princesses exhibition on display in the Forbidden City’s (Beijing) two pavilions. The exhibition officially closed last month.
A general overview paired with never before seen material: that was the balance struck by the event launched in October in Beijing. For a very select, very special period this installation held court in the heart of China’s famed Forbidden City. Covering seven centuries of history and telling both the political life and the more romantic connections of the princely Grimaldi family, Princes and Princesses of Monaco met with great success. Two hundred and fifty pieces were installed for display in the two pavilions, with scenography that contextualized and followed the chronology of historical events.
A success at the forum
Silverware, jewels, busts, paintings, documents, and other photographs punctuated the journey of the visitors to the Beijing exhibition, who were reportedly particularly fond of the original manuscripts on display. A particularity that the organizers have explained by the pronounced taste of the Chinese public for calligraphy and paper. The Grimaldi Forum, in charge of the event in conjunction with the Palais, opened its collections to the site’s custodians, was thus able to celebrate the popularity met by Princes and Princesses of Monaco, and hopes to ride the wave of this successful experience. The exhibition could become itinerant and move to other places in Asia or Europe in the years to come.
Originally published on the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.