The Shanghai Museum unveiled an ambitious lineup of 12 new exhibitions set for 2026, including the largest exhibition of ancient American civilizations, the United Kingdom's National Portrait Gallery's debut, and the works of Zhu Da, one of the most iconic artists in Chinese art history, gathered from around the world.
The flagship exhibition, On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas, will run from July to October 2027 at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square, announced Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum, at a news conference in late January.
Following the success of the ancient Egypt exhibition, the show aims to be the world's largest and most comprehensive exhibition on ancient American civilizations, featuring over 1,000 artifacts that explore the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, and other cultures.
Two immersive VR experiences will complement the exhibition. Secrets of the Rainforest: A Maya Adventure is jointly created by the Shanghai Museum and top Chinese VR developing teams; the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor experience is created by renowned immersive experience developer NEON Global, which won Best Use of VR at the prestigious Lumiere Awards.
With over a dozen museums participating, Mexico stands out as a leading contributor. Leading the list is the renowned Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Mexico City, which will lend nearly 300 artifacts. Other confirmed institutions include the Museo del Templo Mayor and the Museo Amparo. In total, the Mexican loans are expected to exceed 800 objects, representing a substantial commitment to cultural exchange.
From Peru, the Museo Larco in Lima, closely associated with artifacts from Machu Picchu (an ancient Inca ruin), will contribute a significant loan of 325 objects. This consignment is noted as the museum's largest-ever overseas exhibition loan.
A third participating country remains undisclosed for the time being. Further details regarding all international collaborations and the full scope of the exhibition will be announced in May, says Chu Xin, head of the museum's exhibition department.
