Presented for the first time in Europe, the exhibition of 130 masterpieces The Forbidden City at the Louvre – Emperors of China and Kings of France, on show at the Louvre Museum in Paris, will shed light on the relations that existed between the two countries from the 13th to 18th centuries.

The visitor will discover the portraits of the different emperors who ruled China during the period. The medieval moat of the Parisian museum houses an impressive scale model of the Forbidden City, capturing its full splendour.

The throne of the Emperor Qianlong, like his furniture in red wood, are on display in the Richelieu room, which has been transformed for the occasion into a true Treasure house!

During the exhibition, visitors can admire scores of objects on loan from China, which have never been seen before, including vases, jade objects, lacquer ware, calligraphy and ceremonial costumes.

The exhibition also examines the mutual admiration which marked the exchanges. For example, while we can see a portrait of the Emperor Yongzheng wearing a Louis XIV wig, one can also measure the level to which this oriental culture and art fascinated women, who from Mme de Pompadour to Marie-Antoinette, all clamoured to possess its creations.

Seeing these exceptional Chinese objects in the perspective of the works of the Louvre, helps transform this magnificent exhibition in a fascinating journey encompassing history, art and culture.

Louvre Museum :

The Forbidden City in the Louvre – Emperors of China and Kings of France

• Until January 9, 2012
• Open every day except Tuesday – From 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays).
• Access: Metro lines 1 or 7, Palais-Royal/Musée du Louvre station
• Further information

Hotel Britannique Paris, Romantic Paris Hotel, 3 star Hotel Paris