Inventing the Future

Opening hours:
Tue-Sun from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m
14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow

One of the most influential figures in Chinese history: a sculpture of Li Hongzhang

One of the most influential figures in Chinese history: a sculpture of Li Hongzhang
Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA
21.01.2025

Guests of the National Centre RUSSIA can visit the exposition of young artists from BRICS countries until February 2. The gallery features more than 250 works, including paintings, sculptures, art installations, photographs, and animated pieces.

Building a happy future is impossible without considering the lessons of the past. This is why writers and artists continue to draw inspiration from the history of their own countries and the world. Zhang Zhe, a Chinese student at the Ilya Repin St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, turned to the history of the Qing Empire at the end of the XIX century. The focus of his creative exploration became Li Hongzhang, one of the most influential yet controversial officials of the Qing Dynasty.

Li Hongzhang first made a name for himself during the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion and was appointed Governor of Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces in 1867. In 1868, he crushed the Nian Rebellion, for which he was honored with the Yellow Jacket, a peacock feather, and the title of Tutor to the Heir Apparent.

In the final decades of the XIX century, Li Hongzhang almost single-handedly directed China’s foreign policy. He signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki with Japan (1895) and the Sino-Russian Alliance Treaty (1896). Interestingly, the Tea House on Myasnitskaya Street in Moscow was decorated in Chinese style in preparation for his visit to Russia.

The sculptor depicted Li Hongzhang in his later years, when the statesman was suffering from a severe illness. His appearance reflects both his high status and a hint of doubt, as well as wisdom intertwined with vulnerability.

Possibly interesting
25.04.2025
Congress of Indigenous and Small-Numbered Peoples was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

Hosted festive events dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Association of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation, and the 95th anniversary of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra.

25.04.2025
The National Centre RUSSIA became the main Moscow venue for the "Victory Dictation"

The international campaign "Victory Dictation" took place in Moscow on April 25 across 497 venues.

25.04.2025
"Everyone should visit this exposition": futurist Stephen Alber on "Journey Across Russia"

Essayist participating in the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth"  took a guided tour of the interactive exposition "Journey Across Russia". 

login to your Personal Account
Please, sign in to be able to save interesting materials and latest news.
Log in via social media
Or
Log in via email
Forgot your password?
Network account? Register
Пожалуйста, авторизуйтесь
Необходимо зарегистрироваться или войти в аккаунт
Назад
Recover
password
Please enter the email address you used when registering