Tehran – The Iranian National Museum is a new exhibition in Beijing that brings together cultural artefacts from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), showing seven,000 years of civilization in digital form.
The exhibition entitled “Galaxy of Civilization: A Joint Exhibition of Cultural Relics from the National Museum of SCO Member States” was held on August 27th at the National Museum of China.
The opening ceremony was attended by Nemato Iranzadeh, a cultural advisor to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing, and featured a videoconference speech by Dr. Jerael Nokande, director of the Iranian National Museum.
Supported by the SCO Secretariat and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, the exhibition is a key programme of the 2025 National Exhibition Initiative of the National Museum of China. It will be on display for three months until November 16th, 2025.
The exhibition brings together 220 valuable original artifacts from 10 cultural institutions and museums of nine SCO member countries: Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. Other countries contributed to physical objects, but the Iranian National Museum has presented its collections through innovative photography and digital displays.
According to Jebrael Nokandeh, the original plan to send physical artifacts was hampered by external circumstances. He said in his opening video conference speech. “Fortunately, through the sincere cooperation of the National Museum of China, we were able to participate in the exhibition digitally.”
The Iranian section contains an important collection of 14 iconic artifacts, represented by high-resolution photographs and detailed 3D models. Nokandeh described the display as an invitation to “a story told through 7,000 years of Iranian history, 14 masterpieces.” The presentations spanned the Neolithic period and Qajar dynasty, including works such as “Pottery of 6,200 BC, the Bronze Trembling of Luristan, or the Golden Peacock from Isfahan.”
Nokande emphasized that the digital presentation strongly conveys the depths of Iran’s cultural heritage. He stated that the artifacts “a timeless Persian aesthetic: respect for nature, mastery of material, harmony of function and symbolism,” and that the exhibition “is more than an exhibition of artifacts.”
In his conclusion, he also submitted proposals for future collaborations, saying: “We also propose that similar exhibitions be held as travel showcases across national museums in other SCO countries. Without a doubt, such exhibitions will help us deepen our appreciation for our people’s rich cultural heritage, while strengthening our shared legislation and our shared ledge.”
The “Galaxy of Civilization” exhibition is supported by the SCO Secretariat and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China. It will run until November 16th, 2025.
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