British Museum to stage major Ming Dynasty exhibition

Ming: 50 years that changed China

Ming prince's 'dragon robe', silk (c.1389), excavated from the tomb of Zhu Tan (1370-89)

London's most well-known cultural institutions have come together in a new initiative to promote the UK capital's autumn season. One of the highlights among a collection of blockbuster exhibitions and events is a major exhibition covering China's Ming Dynasty reign at the British Museum.

In September, the exhibition entitled "Ming: 50 years that changed China", will display some of the finest objects ever made in China, and will shed light on an important part of Chinese history that is little known in Europe.

At a recent event to launch London's autumn season of exhibitions, the Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming was present to help boost the forthcoming Chinese show at the British Museum.

The ceremony was also attended by leading figures from across the city's cultural institutions. Among them was the managing Director of the Barbican Center, who previewed some of the upcoming events at his venue.

"The whole idea of the city is so important to us now. We are doing a big exhibition called Constructing Worlds which is all about photographs and architecture. Focusing on the city, and with that we'll be doing a big film season called City Visions, exploring the idea of city in all parts of the world. And then we have some huge theatre shows coming up. And one person who is extremely popular in China is the actor Benedict Cumberbatch who will be appearing in Shakespeare's Hamlet next summer at the Barbican. So a year from now, but the tickets are practically sold out already, so popular has this show been." said Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director, Barbican Centre.

Over two million tourists are expected to visit a stellar line-up of shows and exhibitions taking place this autumn throughout London art venues, including the Museum of London, the National Gallery, the Royal Academy, Tate Britain, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Culture remains the leading driver for tourists, with eight out of ten citing it as the main reason they visit the UK capital.