Outward Opulence for Inner Peace: The Restoration of the Emperor’s Private Paradise at the Forbidden City

Juanqinzhai in the Qianlong Garden, interior after conservation, 2008

As part of the World Monuments Fund’s 50th Anniversary Lecture series, bestselling author Dr. Andrew Solomon will present an illustrated talk on “Outward Opulence for Inner Peace,” revealing WMF’s ongoing restoration of the Forbidden City’s Qianlong Garden.

Created at the peak of Imperial China’s economic and cultural importance, the Qianlong Garden complex in the Forbidden City was intended to be the center of the retirement retreat of the Qianlong Emperor (1711-1799). His long and remarkable reign saw dramatic military conquests and spectacular literary and artistic achievements, but was also a time of corrosive corruption and bureaucratic stagnation. Over many decades, he focused his inquisitive mind on the creation of the exquisite pavilions and gardens that were to be his sanctuary in old age. The World Monuments Fund and the Palace Museum have been carefully restoring the glories of this complex over a decade. Dr. Solomon will discuss its creation, rediscovery and ongoing conservation.

Cocktails 6:15-7pm

Lecture 7-8pm

Caspary Auditorium
Rockefeller University
1230 York Ave.
New York, NY 10016

$20, or free for WMF $50+ donors
Advance registration required

50th Anniversary Sponsors:
American Express
Tiffany & Co. Foundation

Tickets available here.

Juanqinzhai in the Qianlong Garden, interior after conservation, 2008

As part of the World Monuments Fund’s 50th Anniversary Lecture series, bestselling author Dr. Andrew Solomon will present an illustrated talk on “Outward Opulence for Inner Peace,” revealing WMF’s ongoing restoration of the Forbidden City’s Qianlong Garden.

Created at the peak of Imperial China’s economic and cultural importance, the Qianlong Garden complex in the Forbidden City was intended to be the center of the retirement retreat of the Qianlong Emperor (1711-1799). His long and remarkable reign saw dramatic military conquests and spectacular literary and artistic achievements, but was also a time of corrosive corruption and bureaucratic stagnation. Over many decades, he focused his inquisitive mind on the creation of the exquisite pavilions and gardens that were to be his sanctuary in old age. The World Monuments Fund and the Palace Museum have been carefully restoring the glories of this complex over a decade. Dr. Solomon will discuss its creation, rediscovery and ongoing conservation.

Cocktails 6:15-7pm

Lecture 7-8pm

Caspary Auditorium
Rockefeller University
1230 York Ave.
New York, NY 10016

$20, or free for WMF $50+ donors
Advance registration required

50th Anniversary Sponsors:
American Express
Tiffany & Co. Foundation

Tickets available here.