An Homage to the City of Beijing and Its History

Beijing - one of China’s and the world’s oldest cities - and its historical evolution are at the centre of an exhibition that retraces the key phases of the development of this Chinese mega-city. Inhabited since the Neolithic Period, the location of the origins of Homo Erectus Pekinensis, capital of the Chinese People’s Republic for over 70 years, Beijing has played, over the centuries, various roles according to the successive imperial dynasties and the geo-politcal context at any given time. Archeological finds, furnishings, clothing and vintage photos which summon up the history but also the customs of the city are presented in this permanent display which, in chronological order, thematic and highly educational, help the spectator to realise the mega-city’s historic and cultural wealth. It becomes apparent that Beijing, while being so oriented towards the future, finds, within its historical layers - even now, indispensable in fully understanding its genesis - its true DNA and its uniqueness.