Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to China poses for a photo with Chinese and foreign guests at the exhibition. Photo: Courtesy of the Italian Embassy in China

The opening ceremony of the exhibition of Ancient Greek and Roman Treasures in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy, debuted recently at the National Museum of Classic Books in Beijing. 

The exhibition is to showcase 127 precious cultural relics from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy, including sculptures, murals, ceramics, bronze works, glass products, and other artifacts. The key exhibits include Aphrodite and the Sea, which depicts the brilliant appearance of the goddess of love and beauty in Greek mythology when she was born from the sea.

Chen Ying, secretary of the Party Committee and deputy director of the National Library of China, and Massimo Ambrosetti, Ambassador of Italy to China, both delivered speeches at the ceremony.

Ambrosetti mentioned the importance of Italy's planned "cultural diplomacy" activities in China: These exhibitions demonstrate the role of culture as a fundamental element of our identity and a key factor in promoting sustained dialogue, as it can bridge the gap between different civilizations, countries, and peoples through the universal language of art. 

Italian architect and artistic director Gaetano di Gesu of the exhibition, as well as director of the Cultural Center and cultural counselor Federico Antonelli at the Italian Embassy in China, also attended the event.

The exhibition runs until December 17, 2023.