聊聊海外博物馆的中华文物Chinese Antiquities in Museums Abroad

Taking the Nelson-Atkins Museum as an example, this session shares the experience of visiting museums abroad and their complicated relationship with Chinese antiquities. The Nelson-Atkins is famous overseas for its Chinese collection: what exactly does it hold? Who backed it, and how did it acquire so many fine pieces? What is the significance of Chinese collections in museums abroad? We will discuss: How was the Nelson-Atkins founded? What is in the collection, and what makes it distinctive? What is it like to visit? Where were the pieces collected from? What overseas collections and exhibitions mean for museums What makes a good museum, or a good museum visit? How should we judge the legitimacy of antiquities held abroad? Will museums gradually decline in the future?