Exhibition on equine culture of China and France opens at Prince Kung's Palace Museum

On Aug 25, Riding into Reflection: A Sino-French Exhibition on Equine Culture officially opened at Jiale Hall of Prince Kung's Palace Museum, bringing together more than 200 sets of artifacts and contemporary artworks related to horses.

Highlights include over 60 precious horse-themed objects from the Chateau de Chantilly, one of Europe’s major collections of equine heritage, alongside selected exhibits from museums and cultural institutions across the Chinese mainland and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Through bronzes, paintings, sculptures and contemporary art featuring horse images, and horse gear, the exhibition traces the evolution of horse culture in China and France, boosting cultural exchange between two civilizations through a new lens.

The exhibition is organized into three sections. The first explores the origins and development of the relationship between human and horses through horse fossils, traditional horse gear, and stable culture. The second examines imperial hunting and royal equestrian traditions, while the third presents artistic interpretations of horses. Together, the sections reveal both the distinct characteristics and shared cultural connections of equine traditions in China and France.

Interactive installations and digital experiences draw visitors closer to horses, while horse-themed cultural and creative products realize the transformation of the horse from a practical companion to an enduring artistic symbol.

Organized by Prince Kung's Palace Museum and the Chateau de Chantilly, and co-sponsored by China Tourism Group and The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the exhibition marks a significant milestone in museum cooperation between China and France. In the future, Prince Kung's Palace Museum and Chateau de Chantilly are set to continue collaboration in exhibitions, academic research, and cultural and creative development.