The Palace Museum 80 years

Author: Li Wenru, Editor-in-Chief, Palace Museum
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: ★Large 16K hardcover binding, published by the Palace Museum★The Palace Museum, established on October 10, 1925, is China's largest museum of ancient cultural and art. This book was published in 2005, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Palace Museum.★A preface was written by Zheng Xinsmiao, a renowned scholar and expert in "Palace Studies," who served as the then Director of the Palace Museum.★Appendix includes the list of leaders during the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China, a brief table of exhibition projects of the Palace Museum over 80 years, and a chronicle of the Ancient Objects Exhibition Hall.★Exquisitely designed, printed on high-quality paper, it holds great value for appreciation, reading, and collection.
In many countries in modern Europe, after overthrowing the old feudal autocratic regime through revolutionary means, palaces and imperial collections were often transformed into national museums. However, in China, the transformation of an imperial palace into a museum was a longer process. The Xinhai Revolution overthrew the feudal monarchy and ended the Qing Dynasty's rule. However, according to the "Privileged Treatment Conditions for the Qing Imperial Family," the Qing imperial family, led by Puyi, continued to reside in the inner court for thirteen years under the terms of "temporarily residing in the palace" and "eventually moving to the Summer Palace." Puyi was treated with the same courtesy as foreign monarchs by the Republic of China, retaining the "honorific title" of the "Great Qing Emperor" and continuing to use the Xuantong era name. Under the protection of the Beiyang Government, he repeatedly engaged in activities that conflicted with the laws of the Republic of China. Many elderly officials and remnants of the Qing court regarded Puyi, who lived in the inner court, as a hope for the restoration of the Qing Dynasty. Numerous valuable artifacts were lost from the palace through various means, and the Garden of Perfect Happiness and its treasures were reduced to ashes.
The Palace Museum embodies 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and carries 600 years of history of the Forbidden City. After 80 years of development, it is at a critical juncture of continuity and innovation. Looking back at the past 80 years, there were twists and turns, but also enlightenment; looking ahead, there are challenges, but more importantly, there is confidence and hope. The Palace Museum is determined, with the help and support of all parties, to strive tirelessly to protect the national treasures and create a world-class museum.