US embassy celebrates museum anniversaries

The US embassy in Beijing hosted a reception on July 10 at the Beijing residence of the US Deputy Chief of Mission, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Museum of China and the 25th anniversary of the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington.

The National Museum of China's deputy director Chen Lusheng joined Julian Raby, director of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art, along with personalities from the worlds of art, culture, and business, to celebrate the anniversaries.

One of the largest museums in the world, the National Museum of China has 48 galleries and more than 1.2 million objects. International museum authorities are gathering for its centennial celebration from July 8 to 11.

The Sackler Gallery is located in Washington and is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the premier museum and research complex in the US.

"The Sackler has a long tradition of collaboration with our Chinese colleagues, jointly promoting scholarships, research, and appreciation for Chinese art and culture," said Raby. "We look forward to building on the valuable partnerships we've developed."

In addition to the July 10 event, the Sackler Gallery is celebrating its anniversary with a series of major exhibitions, public programs and events around the world culminating in a four-day gala celebration in Washington in late November.