What's on

Harmonious melodies

More than 200 objects tracing the diverse evolution of musical instruments and their social role are on display at The Sound of Harmony, at the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum in Urumqi, and runs through to Sept 1. This is the third exhibition under a long-term collaboration between the Urumqi museum and the National Museum of China in Beijing, through which the latter tours curated artifact exhibitions to Xinjiang.

The previous two exhibitions were themed on archaic bronze ware and ancient mirrors. The current exhibition brings together instruments of historic importance, some of which are notable archaeological finds, such as the Jiahu bone flute, a crane bone flute found at a Neolithic site in Henan province.

The ongoing exhibition explores the evolving role of music and musical instruments in ancient times. Not only were they an essential part of the liyue (rituals and music) system to convey social etiquette and stabilize social orders, but they also helped promote self-cultivation among the elite, entertained the public, and stood in testimony to cultural exchanges along the ancient Silk Road.

10 am-6:30 pm, closed on Mondays. 581 Xibei Lu, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.0991-4552-826.

Architectural vision

Arata Isozaki: China Through the Eyes of a World Citizen opened at the Art Museum of Central Academy of Fine Arts, a building the late Japanese architect designed himself. Its gray facade and elegantly curved silhouette have made it a landmark in the capital city's northeastern corner.

Running until Aug 24, the exhibition highlights 10 architectural and urban planning projects which Isozaki worked on in China over three decades. It shows how he related to history in architectural design, addressed public concerns, and conducted dialogues through space.

Another exhibition that opened at the same time, Upstreaming, features works of architects who once studied at the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

9:30 am-5:30 pm, closed on Mondays. 8 Huajiadi Nan Jie, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6477-1575.

The Italian way

The works of Italian artist Marinella Senatore evoke bright daylight, joyful colors and the bustling carnivals of her home country. Her first solo exhibition in Beijing, I Contain Multitudes, is now on view at Tang Contemporary Art through Aug 13.

Featuring luminous installations, collages, wall paintings, and embroidered brocades, the exhibition transforms the gallery into a vibrant, uplifting space. Neon-lit sculptures and colorful compositions invite visitors to step away from daily worries and experience a sense of joy and renewal.

Senatore's art is rooted in public life — festivals, workshops, and shared rituals that connect people and communities. Her practice seeks to bring that same spirit of participation and togetherness into the gallery space.

10 am-6 pm, closed on Mondays. D06, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5978-9610.