Interview: British Museum Director Eyes Deeper Cooperation with China

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London: The British Museum has long maintained close ties with Chinese cultural institutions and seen vast potential for deeper cooperation, said Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Cullinan expressed his enthusiasm for discovering commonalities and exploring collaborative opportunities to foster greater understanding with China. He highlighted China's significant role in the global cultural landscape, citing its population, innovation, and deep historical traditions as elements that position China as a major force in international cultural exchange. Cullinan hopes to see more partnerships and collaborations with China in the future.

Cullinan reminisced about his previous visit to Shanghai, describing China as a country with a fascinating and profound history and cultural tradition. He announced his plans to travel to Beijing in October to attend the Palace Museum's centenary celebrations and renew a memorandum of understanding with the museum.

The cooperation between Chinese institutions and the British Museum goes beyond joint exhibitions, extending to professional training and academic research. Cullinan noted that the museum's training program has hosted several Chinese participants, fostering a cross-border network of friendship and expertise. He recalled the landmark 2007 exhibition of China's Terracotta Warriors in London, which displayed over 100 artifacts from the Qin Dynasty, drawing a record of over 700,000 visitors.

Cullinan emphasized the impact of the Terracotta Warriors exhibition, which became a model of cross-cultural exchange. He expressed the museum's aspiration to create more cultural milestones to enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. The British Museum continues to welcome many Chinese visitors, offering Chinese-language services and listening to feedback to ensure enriching experiences.

Looking forward, Cullinan stressed the British Museum's commitment to collaboration with international partners, including China. He envisions museums worldwide having a stake in the British Museum's endeavors, contributing to a more open and reciprocal cultural platform.