?Shanghai Museum hosts expo to commemorate Marco Polo's legacy
The Shanghai Museum — located on the People's Square in Huangpu district — launched a special exhibition on Nov 23 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of the renowned Venetian traveler, explorer and merchant Marco Polo.
The exhibition — entitled Wonders of the World: China and Beyond in the Eyes of Marco Polo — offers a glimpse into the cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world during Polo's era. The exhibition will run until March 30 next year.
Featuring 204 sets of treasures collected from 28 cultural institutions in Italy and China, the exhibition showcases new archives and archaeological discoveries.
The organizer says the artifacts highlight the rich history of global trade and cultural interactions during Marco Polo's time.
Marco Polo arrived in China in 1274 and spent 17 years exploring the country before returning home. His experiences were later compiled into stories that have been passed down through generations.
The exhibition is divided into five sections, following the path of Marco Polo's journey.
It begins in his hometown of Venice, a major trade and shipping capital in the Eastern Mediterranean and traces his travels eastward.
The exhibition also delves into his explorations of present-day Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and of other Chinese cities that thrived as global trade centers along the coast.
Among the displayed items are scripts, prints, textiles, glassware, coins, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings.
Many of the Italian exhibits are rare documents containing extensive texts, providing valuable insights into the historical epoch.
In addition to the physical artifacts, the exhibition features supplementary displays, including films, to engage visitors' senses and create a truly immersive experience.
Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Museum at "SH-Museum"