旧宫新语｜故宫长春宫及体元殿原状陈列展正式开放

Historical Background - The Changchun Palace area was built during the Ming Dynasty and served as a residence for imperial concubines, later modified by Emperor Xianfeng for governance purposes [1] - Empress Dowager Cixi resided in Changchun Palace and made renovations for her 40th birthday, including converting the rear hall into a theater [1] - Since the establishment of the Palace Museum, the area has been preserved as a historical exhibition space, showcasing artifacts to recreate historical scenes [1] Renovation and Reopening - Due to severe structural issues, the Palace Museum initiated a restoration project for Changchun Palace in 2013 [2] - The restoration has been completed, and the buildings have met the requirements for exhibition use, with plans to reopen to the public by the end of September 2025, coinciding with the museum's 100th anniversary [2] Exhibition Format - The exhibition will focus on the living conditions of late Qing Dynasty imperial concubines, based on previous displays and adjusted according to historical records [3] - Visitors will primarily view the exhibits through glass windows, with various artifacts such as furniture, textiles, and ceramics displayed to recreate the living environment of the concubines [3] Selected Exhibits - The main hall of Changchun Palace features ceremonial items, including a gold-painted plaque and intricately designed furniture [4][6] - Notable artifacts include a nine-compartment box symbolizing prosperity and a clock with a water mechanism, showcasing the craftsmanship of the 18th century [8][10] - Additional items include a lantern vase from the Daoguang period and a black lacquered cosmetic box, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the Qing court [12][14]