The exhibition A Journey of Knowledge. “The Travels of Marco Polo” and its Legacy between East and West, which had already met with great success in Beijing, can be visited at the Sichuan Museum in Chengdu until 15 April.
The Chengdu exhibition was promoted and organised by the Italian Embassy in Beijing, the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing, the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing and the Sichuan Museum, with the coordination of the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani, on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death and in the wake of the 20th anniversary of the Italy-China Strategic Partnership.
The project received the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as the Ministry of Culture and the Veneto Region, and was sponsored by the Sichuan Department of Cultural Heritage, with the support of the Chengdu Florentia Village group.
The exhibition brings together 84 works representing Italian cultural relics and over 190 valuable Chinese works, including oil paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textiles and celadon porcelain. The last section of the exhibition provides an immersive experience: through wearable devices, visitors can embark on Marco Polo’s journey along the Silk Road. “Marco Polo VR” is a 3D Virtual Reality project created by the Italian company Way Experience.
On the occasion of the exhibition opening, Consul Adriana Lori emphasised that cultural and public diplomacy activities are key to strengthening relations between Italy and Southwest China.. She said: “This exhibition not only pays tribute to Marco Polo’s great influence in fostering mutual understanding between East and West, but also uses technology to extend its reach, attracting an increasing number of young people and promoting intercultural dialogue.”
