The Bowers Museum has a longstanding collaboration with the Shanghai Museum, bringing world-class Chinese art to its audiences through past exhibitions such as Treasures from Shanghai: 5000 Years of Art and Culture (2007), which showcased artifacts spanning the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty. Its current exhibition, Ancient Arts of China: A 5000 Year Legacy, curated with the Shanghai Museum, continues this tradition by presenting painted ceramics, Silk Road-era sculptures, embroidered silk court robes, and intricate ivory carvings.
Under the terms of the new MOU, the Shanghai Museum will collaborate with Bowers Museum on various initiatives, including the exchange of exhibitions, loans of artworks and artifacts, and the application of new technologies in museum curation and education. The agreement aims to promote cross-cultural understanding by sharing knowledge, research, and collections that highlight the richness of global civilizations.
One of the key elements of this partnership is the long-term, regularly rotating loans of ancient Chinese artworks and archaeological collections from the Shanghai Museum to Bowers Museum. This collaboration will allow Bowers to showcase significant pieces of China’s vast cultural heritage, providing visitors with an in-depth look at the country’s artistic and historical legacy.
"This new chapter in our partnership is a monumental step in fostering international museum collaborations," said Dr. Seán O’Harrow of Bowers Museum. "Through this exchange, we are excited to bring more world-class exhibitions to our audiences and further enrich cultural dialogue between our communities."
Both institutions have committed to maintaining regular and effective communication regarding exhibitions, public education programs, and other joint initiatives. The MOU represents a serious commitment from both parties to work towards shared goals. The agreement will remain in effect for five years, with opportunities for renewal and expansion.
The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone in Bowers Museum’s long-standing mission to present global arts and cultures to the public. With the support of the Shanghai Museum, visitors can look forward to exciting new installations that celebrate China’s artistic achievements and historical treasures.
About Bowers Museum
Located in Santa Ana, California, the Bowers Museum is one of Orange County’s largest and most historic museums, dedicated to showcasing world arts and cultures. Winner of Best Museum in Orange County for 31 the last 31 years in a row, Bowers Museum continues to inspire and engage audiences through diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and partnerships with international institutions.
About Shanghai Museum
Established in 1952, the Shanghai Museum is one of the world's most important museums dedicated to ancient Chinese art. With a collection of over 1,020,000 items, including 140,000 national treasures, the museum presents a comprehensive image of Chinese material culture. The museum's mission encompasses collecting, conservation, research, exhibitions, and communication, aiming to connect the public with artworks, art history, and art education.