Beijing viewers can now savor masterpieces by Italian painters from 1492-1540, such as Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, without going to Europe.

Renaissance in Florence: Masterpieces and the Protagonists, the largest exhibition of Italian artworks from the 15th-16th century is being held at the National Museum of China.

Running until April 30, 2013, the exhibition showcases the artistic features, urban life and customs of Florence during the Renaissance period. It comprises a total of 67 selected pieces of oils, temperas, murals, sculptures, sketches and crafts, on loan from nearly 30 public museums, galleries and private collections in Florence.

The staging of the exhibition is considered a landmark event in the history of exchanges and collaborations between museums in Italy and China. Italian curator Cristina Acidini believes the exhibition will help Chinese viewers gain a closer look at and have a deeper understanding of Italian arts, culture and history.

While Chinese viewers are enthusiastic about the show, daily attendance is restricted to avoid damage to the precious artworks.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays and public holidays, until April 30, 2013. National Museum of China, 16 East Chang'an Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6511-6400.