China’s second largest Confucian temple is located in Beijing and is a paradise of learning, calm and contemplation. Built following the will of the Emperor Yuan Dade in 1306, it hosted the Confucian commemorative ceremonies during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Around the temple, there is a “forest” of stones - 198 tablets placed on both sides of the front courtyard, with the names of more than 51.624 Jinshi or “advanced students” - the highest level of Imperial China. Connected to the temple is Guozijian, the Imperial College where the Emperor explained Confucian classics to thousands of enraptured students. It is a place where the value given education in Chinese culture since ancient times is fully evident. Getting the highest grades on State exams (known for being exceptionally rigorous) was the happiest event for both students and their parents - a successful student brought prestige and honour to their family and all the members of their clan. Besides its historic importance, the site is a truly noteworthy architectural accomplishment - between Chengxian and Guozijian Streets are the most stunning and well-preserved arches of all Beijing.
States of Mind According to the Artist Hans Op de Beeck
In the gallery’s monumental downstairs space, Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck has created a room dedicated to drawing with 13 large watercolours, as well as a projection room in which his new animated film Vanishing Point will be premiered.
With his distinct, sincere and pure artistic language, Tie Yang represents the characters of the land, the nostalgia of the people, the culture of the specific places he chooses to describe: the Jizhong Plain, the land of Western Hebei and the Taihang Mountains.
Yves Klein. Yves Klein: the Infinite Power of Blue color of Space
Yves Klein. Painter of Space is the first retrospective in China on the pioneering artist of Action Art and the immaterial practices of contemporary art. The exhibition presents a collection of more than 60 works and a large selection of documents.
Face to Face with Antoni Gaudí, the Master of Catalan Modernism
The exhibition pays tribute to the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Known for his unique architectural style and iconic works like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Gaudi's 18 buildings, including seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, make him an architectural legend in the world.
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