Chongqing — As 2026 approaches, Chongqing is preparing to open new gateways into history. Across the city's museums, a series of carefully curated exhibitions will invite visitors to explore the depth of Chinese civilization and its dialogue with the broader world.
From Paleolithic stone tools unearthed at Longgupo to ritual artifacts of the ancient Ba State, from the monumental Three Gorges Project to the artistic revolutions of Pablo Picasso, the exhibitions will span millennia, guiding audiences through time and across cultures.
"Spring and Autumn of the Ba State" exhibition. (Photo/Organizer)
A Flagship Museum's Renewal
The Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum will complete major upgrades to four permanent exhibitions in 2026.
"Spring and Autumn of the Ba State," scheduled to open in June, draws on the achievements of the Three Gorges Cultural Relics Rescue Program. Through bronze ware, bamboo slips, and other artifacts, the exhibition presents the history, ritual systems, and cultural traditions of the Ba State, highlighting its role within the Yangtze River civilization.
Opening concurrently, “From High Gorges to a Level Lake” focuses on the Three Gorges Project, tracing its transformation from vision to reality through artifacts and multimedia displays. Beyond engineering achievements, the exhibition emphasizes evolving ideas of harmony between humanity and nature.
Also debuting in June, "Ceramics Through the Ages in China" will chart the development of Chinese porcelain from early celadon to masterpieces of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In October, "Coins Through the Ages in China" will explore the evolution of China's monetary system, offering insight into broader social and economic change.
A Global Roster of Special Exhibitions
A series of special exhibitions will further expand the museum's cultural scope.
In February, the "Ordos Bronze Civilization Exhibition" will present the distinctive bronze culture of northern grassland societies through animal-patterned artifacts. In June, "A Bestiary: A Guide to Observing Mythical Creatures" will feature more than 200 artifacts from China and abroad, using VR technology to explore mythical beings along the Silk Road.
In December, "Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective" will bring together more than 100 works, offering audiences a closer look at the influential artist's creative evolution.
"Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective" exhibition. (Photo/Organizer)
Additional exhibitions throughout the year will focus on donated cultural relics, children’s life-safety education, historical letters by Ming and Qing officials, and traditional painting and calligraphy formats from the museum’s collection.
Citywide Cultural Contributions
Beyond the Three Gorges Museum, other institutions across the city will contribute to the 2026 cultural calendar.
At the Three Gorges Cultural Relics Protection Science and Technology Base, exhibitions will highlight the integration of technology and heritage. In February, a global zodiac exhibition themed on the Year of the Horse will open under the guidance of the National Cultural Heritage Administration. An interactive exhibition emphasizing public participation and accessibility will follow in October.
The Chongqing Soong Ching Ling Memorial Hall will host a series of biographical exhibitions dedicated to Deng Yingchao, educator Zhang Lan, and international friend of China Rewi Alley, highlighting their contributions to social progress, education, and international solidarity.
Together, Chongqing's 2026 museum exhibitions form a cultural panorama that bridges ancient and modern times, connects China with the world, and balances academic depth with public engagement.