An archaic bronzeware instrument on show. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

The ongoing exhibition, The Sound of Harmony, traces the development of musicology, folk art and culture.

It displays over 200 items, mostly musical instruments, from the National Museum's collection and on loan from other cultural institutions, such as the Palace Museum and Shanghai Museum.

The exhibition also examines music's roles in state activities, public education and exchanges between ancient China and other civilizations.