"We have stayed at the frontier of international communications for art and culture, and this exhibition is the latest initiative of this mission," says Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum.

The museum is currently planning to put together the exhibition A History of China in 100 Objects, which will go on international tour later this year.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the Shanghai Museum will give priority to collaborations with important museums in the countries involved in the BRI, Chu Xiaobo says.

"We are also aiming to open international branches abroad. We have kicked off feasibility studies before the pandemic, and this year we intend to resume the work, and maybe start from opening a Chinese exhibition hall in foreign museums," he adds.

Contact the writer at zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London

Jan 17-May 7, 9 am-5 pm, Tuesday-Sunday.

No 1 Exhibition Hall, 1F, the Shanghai Museum, 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district, Shanghai.

021-6372-3500