A museum is an institution designed to hold a civilization's most treasured possessions. China now has 6,183 registered museums, among the top in the world, of which 5,605 are free to visit, accounting for more than 90 percent of the total. In 2021, 779 million visits were made to museums across China.

The National Museum of China (NMC), which celebrated its 110th anniversary on July 9, keeps alive the nation's collective memory. It houses 1.42 million objects that illustrate the evolution of China's history, culture and society. Notably, in recent years, it has introduced avant-garde technologies such as virtual reality to make its exhibits more accessible.

The NMC is also an important platform for cultural exchange between China and other countries. It has hosted forums for curators from across the world. In particular, it has worked to promote cooperation with counterparts in the BRICS group consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In one such event, the Treasure Hunt Relay: Global Museum Director's Choice, the NMC director and the heads of 33 other Chinese and overseas museums showcased human civilization with some 150 precious collections online. The aim of the global activity was to promote equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among peoples.

An exhibition titled Tota Italia: Origins of a Nation is being held in Beijing from July 10 to October 9. Co-organized by the NMC and the Italian Ministry of Culture, this exhibition will offer Chinese people an opportunity to appreciate bronzes, sculptures, pottery, coins and other artifacts from Italy between the fourth century B.C. and the first century A.D.

The NMC's work in collecting, researching and exhibiting Chinese history and culture, and facilitating international exchange, is vital to its role as a bridge linking China's time-honored past, its modern history of development and its future as a rejuvenated and globally connected nation.

(Print Edition Title: Memory With a Mission)