Shandong Museum's Ming Dynasty exhibition wins national award

By吕晓涵 | 吕晓涵
chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-05-19

An exhibition exploring the life of Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) Prince Lu Zhu Tan (1370–1390) at the Shandong Museum has received an excellence award in the 23rd National Top 10 Outstanding Museum Exhibitions selection.

The exhibition presents 685 artifacts unearthed from the tomb of Zhu Tan, the 10th son of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor. Highlights include the only well-preserved nine‑tasseled crown from the early Ming and a gold‑inlaid lacquer box. The display draws on traditional Chinese architectural symmetry and garden aesthetics, creating an immersive journey through time.

Advanced technologies also enhance the experience. Multi‑spectral imaging has revived a faded Song Dynasty (960–1279) landscape painting, and a digital twin allows virtual exploration of the prince's daily life. The exhibition has received over 30 million online views and inspired nearly 40 cultural creative products. This award recognizes its success in bringing a forgotten chapter of Chinese history to life for modern audiences.

A section of the exhibition featuring treasures of Prince Lu Zhu Tan (1370–1390) at the Shandong Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: Shandong Museum]

In Focus