Peeking deeper into famed Peking Opera performer's life

Renovation of the memorial hall started in May 2023 to expand the exhibition spaces and new displays. The memorial hall enhanced its collection, presenting rare artifacts, manuscripts and multimedia experiences to engage visitors of all ages, according to Li Lizhong, director of the hall.

With 2024 marking the 130th anniversary of Mei's birth, the hall held a reopening ceremony on Sept 20.

"Visitors can get closer to Mei Lanfang at this hall, where he lived from 1951 to 1961, the last 10 years of his life," says Li, adding that not far from Mei's residence, the first theater for Peking Opera performances opened in 1954, five years after the founding of the People's Republic of China. It was one of the theaters Mei performed in.

"The Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall now stands as a harmonious blend of the past and present, providing an immersive journey into the life of an opera legend. Visitors can explore not only Mei's artistic legacy but also the enduring allure of Peking Opera — now made accessible to a broader audience through modern technology," he says.