Nanjing 1368 - 1450
Virtual Exhibition

Silk Road Museum

Introducing the Silk Road Museum: An International Collaboration for a Virtual Exploration of Cultural Heritage and the Unveiling of its First Iteration, 'Nanjing 1368-1450'.

V21 Artspace, in collaboration with VirtualMuseum360 (project initiators) and an international network of scholars, proudly announces the unveiling of the Silk Road Museum. This revolutionary virtual museum focuses on the art, culture, and historical complexities of the ancient Silk Road, and is delighted to present its first iteration, 'Nanjing 1368-1450.'

The 'Nanjing 1368-1450' exhibition invites visitors to step into the city of Nanjing during a transformative period in China's history. From the mid-14th century, China, which had been under Mongol rule, experienced a series of deadly epidemics and local famines that stoked unrest and rebellion. The rebel army, led by Zhu Yuanzhang, captured the city of Nanjing in 1356 and expanded their control over the country. By 1368, they had seized Beijing, ending Mongol rule. Zhu Yuanzhang became the first emperor of the new Ming dynasty, and Nanjing rose to prominence as the new capital.

Despite the relative peace and economic prosperity under Mongol rule, the disconnection between the educated Han Chinese elite and the court and administration was pronounced. The new Ming dynasty rulers sought to re-establish a new identity to underpin the regime's legitimacy. This period witnessed a revival and refinement of old artistic and design models, which is reflected in the art displayed in the 'Nanjing 1368-1450' exhibition.

The museum's design, production and ongoing support are expertly provided by V21 Artspace, pioneers in producing 3D Virtual Exhibitions for leading cultural institutions. The Silk Road Museum project is directed by VirtualMuseum360. This international collaboration is made possible by the generous support from the International Institute for Asian Studies, Leiden. The project's research is further bolstered by the involvement of students from the BA Degree in International Studies at Leiden University, demonstrating the innovative intersection of education and digital heritage exploration.

The mission of the Silk Road Museum is manifold. At its core, it aims to construct a comprehensive virtual collection of the art and culture from regions situated along these historical trade routes, connecting East and West. A distinctive aspect of the museum is its emphasis on the flow of cultures across borders, underlining their impacts and influences. The Silk Road Museum aspires to act as a platform for embracing differences, not fearing them.


Find out more: silkroadvirtualmuseum.com

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