Shanghai’s Museum for Oriental Musical Instruments inaugurated a landmark exhibition on Thursday, presenting an immersive journey through China’s rich musical heritage and technological advancements in instrument craftsmanship. The collaborative endeavor between the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Shanghai Science and Technology Museum features three distinct exhibition halls with multiple specialized sectors.
Among the extraordinary artifacts displayed is the world’s first set of meteorite-made chimes, demonstrated during the opening ceremony. The comprehensive collection traces the development of Chinese civilization through musical innovation, featuring historically significant instruments including the renowned bianzhong (bronze bells) from Marquis Yi of Zeng’s era and the classical seven-string guqin.
The exhibition showcases China’s diverse ethnic traditions through an extensive array of regional gongs and drums, illustrating the fusion of ancient craftsmanship with modern technological approaches to musical instrument creation. Curators have designed the layout to demonstrate both the historical continuity and technological evolution of Chinese musical practices, from ancient ritual instruments to contemporary innovations.
This cultural initiative represents one of the most complete presentations of China’s musical heritage, offering visitors both auditory experiences and visual displays that contextualize instruments within their historical and technological frameworks. The exhibition will remain open for public viewing, serving as an educational resource for musicians, historians, and the general public interested in China’s cultural legacy.