Virtual Tour of the Exhibition “Imperial China: The Qing Dynasty”

The exhibition “Imperial China: The Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)”, currently running in the Armorial Hall of the Winter Palace, is now accessible on the Hermitage Museum website in the form of a virtual visit.

The display is devoted to China’s last imperial dynasty, which ruled almost concurrently with the House of Romanov. Assembled in the Armorial Hall are some sixty remarkable works of Chinese court art, drawn from the Hermitage collections and not included in the museum’s permanent display. Among the exhibits are formal portraits of generals and high officials, sumptuous ceremonial robes, and priceless palace furnishings, including gifts presented by the Guangxu Emperor on the occasion of the coronation of Nicholas II.

The virtual tour comprises seven panoramic views accompanied by written commentaries. Interactive explanations provide an introduction to the Qing period and cast light on a range of interesting features – notably, the painting and decorative arts of the era, the court costumes of officials and their consorts, and the appearance of a scholar’s study, the preserve of the imperial elite. The exhibits are additionally furnished with digital labels.

The exhibition has been curated by Maria L. Menshikova, Senior Researcher in the Oriental Department of the State Hermitage, and Konstantin Petrov, Researcher in the same department.

The virtual visit is available BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK, or through the museum’s website within the Virtual Visit section.

The exhibition “Imperial China: The Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)” can be viewed in person until 27 September 2026 by all holders of an entrance ticket to the Main Museum Complex.