Miraculous Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs

Exhibition introduction:

The excavation of three Western Han Dynasty tombs in Mawangdui, Changsha, Hunan Province from 1972 to 1974 was a significant discovery in the history of archaeology in China and even the world, attracting widespread attention both at home and abroad. Over 3,000 precious cultural relics were unearthed from the tombs, rich in content and diverse in form, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The lustrous lacquerware represent the peak of the lacquer industry; the luxurious and delicate silk fabrics demonstrate the astonishing achievements in textile technology; the fragrant silk manuscripts carry forward the knowledge and wisdom of ancient sages; the well-preserved ancient corpses highlight the advanced medical preservation techniques; and the fantastical and magnificent silk paintings embody the fantasies of the mysterious celestial realm and the longing for immortality. From clothing, food, housing, and transportation to artistic creation, from astronomy and calendar to health preservation, from feasting and enjoyment to the pursuit of eternity, the Mawangdui Han  Dynasty Tombs are like a vast and profound encyclopedia, outlining a magnificent social picture of the Western Han civilization and leading us back to the grand and imposing Han Empire to experience the magic and romance of the Han culture…

The “Miraculous Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs” selects 183 pieces (sets) of cultural relics and is divided into three sections: “Astonishing Discovery”, “Entering the House of Dai”, and “Grand Ceremony for the Soul”. It aims to enable visitors to transcend the barriers of time and experience the vivid lifestyle of Han Dynasty nobles. It allows visitors to wander through the life of Marquis Dai’s pursuit of life, health preservation, and immortality, and to appreciate the multi-dimensional universe view and strong sense of life consciousness of that time. This exhibition not only offers a visual feast but also a cultural feast in the spiritual world.

Introduction about the institution:

As the largest history and art museum in Hunan province, the Hunan Museum covers an area of 49,000㎡, with the building area reaching 91,000㎡. It is one of the first batch of national first-level museums and one of the first eight national museums co-funded by central and local governments.

For several decades, the museum as a cultural landmark in Changsha city, has attracted millions of visitors. It not only presents the Chinese civilization along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River but also serves as a unique window for people to understand the development of the civilization in Hunan province as well as to appreciate the mysteries of Hunan culture.

With a history over half a century, the Hunan Museum has made remarkable achievements in exhibitions, social education, public services, development and innovation of cultural and creative products, operations and management. It has become one of the most influential museums in China and one of the most advanced museums in the international arena.