To commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary, China Millennium Monument is proud to present a special exhibition and a series of cultural activities titled "The Jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Princess Sisi and the Art of her Era". This exhibition explores the cultural and artistic landscape of the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire, focusing on the beloved Princess Sisi and her remarkable life. It is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition in China dedicated to examining and reflecting the art and lifestyle of Princess Sisi and her era.

The exhibits are sourced from prestigious locations such as the Royal Palace of Gödöllő (Princess Sisi's Palace) in Hungary, the Hungarian National Museum, and private collections. The exhibition features approximately 200 pieces and sets, including oil portrait paintings of Princess Sisi, her personal belongings (furniture, jewelry, clothing, and Chinese-inspired tableware), and old photographs. This exhibition serves as a vital platform for fostering Sino-Hungarian cultural exchange, building strong bridges, deepening understanding of each other's history, art, and cultural allure, and further enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Exhibition Name: The Jewel of the Austro-Hungarian Empire: Princess Sisi and the Art of her Era

Exhibition Period: July to October 2024

Exhibition Venue: China Millennium Monument

Exhibit Sources: Royal Palace of Gödöllő, Hungarian National Museum, and others

Curator: Wang Jia (Researcher, Columnist, recipient of the Hungarian Order of Merit)

Exhibition Highlights:

Hungary holds the distinction of being the first European country to join China's "Belt and Road" Initiative. The Royal Palace of Gödöllő, often referred to as the "Versailles of Hungary", is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Hungary's rich cultural heritage. Within the palace, a permanent exhibition dedicated to Princess Sisi captivates visitors and remains one of Hungary's top three most popular tourist attractions.

The exhibition will employ original and diverse storytelling techniques to present an internationally acclaimed cultural experience. It will follow the life of Princess Sisi as the central narrative, exhibiting her involvement and passion for various cultural activities, including painting, poetry, and music. Visitors will discover her connections with prominent artistic figures such as Franz Liszt, the renowned "Piano King", Hans Makart, the official court painter of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Mihály Munkácsy, one of Hungary's greatest painters. Additionally, the exhibition will highlight her admiration for poets such as Petőfi, Heine, and Byron, who profoundly influenced her love for poetry. Through the "Princess's Perspective", the exhibition will provide a comprehensive artistic portrayal of the cultural landscape of the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The second half of the 19th century holds great significance in Hungarian art history. We invite everyone to explore the "Princess Sisi and the Art of her Era" exhibition and immerse themselves in the captivating charm of Austro-Hungarian culture and art.

Translator: FENG Haoxuan

Reviewer: DING Zhizhong