Exhibition blends science and culture for Year of the Horse

"We hope this exhibition sparks future-oriented reflections among visitors and invigorates them," Ni adds.

The exhibition debuted in Shanghai features 27 horse-themed cultural relics from the Palace Museum, spanning rituals, military affairs, art, and daily life.

Highlights include the Painted Pottery Horse Head from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and the tricolor glazed horse from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Rare horse specimens, such as Akhal-Teke, Shire Horses, and eight Mongolian Horses, are also on display, alongside mechanical horses crafted from over 500 3D-printed components.

This approach contrasts with traditional display formats. "There are more stories to tell and interactive activities for visitors," Ni says.

Digital exhibits, including Emperor Qianlong in armor on horseback, use technologies including naked-eye 3D and AI to bring historical narratives to life. These immersive displays allow visitors to engage with the cultural and scientific significance of horses through vivid visual, tactile and playful experiences.

This initiative, using horses as a medium, opens new avenues for collaboration between science and cultural museums. Ni expresses confidence in this exhibition's potential and operational model, aiming for more in-depth interactions with other museums and fostering novel experiences in the cultural, sports and tourism markets.

Beyond the flagship exhibition, each of the renovated museum's nine exhibition areas is open to the public, offering a comprehensive sci-tech experience.

Meanwhile, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, along with the Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Shanghai Planetarium, launched a series of Spring Festival activities and community-friendly services, giving traditional celebrations a modern technological twist.

The Shanghai Planetarium hosted a seven-day star-gazing event featuring interactive activities, such as star riddles focused on astronomical observation, allowing visitors to explore the night sky during Spring Festival. The natural history museum offered unique experiences, including overnight museum stays, extended evening hours, and interactive activities tailored for families and children.

"The three museums remained open for more than 10 consecutive days," Ni notes. This visitor-friendly service is not exclusive to Spring Festival. "We will continue to provide extended hours every Saturday," Ni adds.