The exhibition ‘The Magic of Characters’ presents, for the first time, works of Chinese calligraphic art from three millennia, examining the many planes of significance of calligraphy and writing generally. It extends from the earliest witnesses, dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, all the way to contemporary art. lly.
More than 100 works from acclaimed lenders, e.g. the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Museum Rietberg in Zürich and the M+ Sigg Collection in Hong Kong are presented in six thematic groups. The items tell of messages to Heaven and of demonstrations of pwer on earth, of religious devotion and individual expressive power. Mythical heroes and historical personalities, virtuous officials and rebellious eccentrics all appear – as calligraphers. The talk is of bibulous poets’ meetings and poetical natural experiences, and also of the role of calligraphy for moral cultivation and political propaganda in China.
The exhibition brings out the unique importance still enjoyed to this day by Chinese writing culture in China. But it also gives an idea of its current reception in the West and in the international art scene.
The show was conceived by the Museum Rietberg in Zürich. With small changes and including a few important works from our museum’s own holdings, it can be seen in Cologne from 23 April.
In co-operation with
With the kind support of
Cultural partner
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday
11am – 5pm
Every first Thursday in the month
11am – 10pm (except Mai 1)
Closed Mondays; open on All Saints' Day
Museum is closed on December 24th, Christmas Day (25 Dec), New Year's Eve (31 Dec) and New Year's Day (1 Jan). Museum is opend on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, German Unity Day and December 26.
Admission prices
€ 9.50 / € 5.50
Due to the renovation of the exhibition, the reduced admission price of €7.50/4.50 applies from 6 March to 4 April.
KölnTag on the first Thursday of the month (except public holidays): free admission to the Museum for all Cologne residents.
How to get here
Public transport: Tram routes 1 and 7 and bus route 142, alight at ‘Universitätsstrasse’
There is a car park at the museum
more
Barrier-free
The museum is barrier-free. Disabled toilet available.
more
Museum für
Ostasiatische Kunst Köln
Universitätsstrasse 100
D 50674 Köln
Ticket office +49.221.221-28617
mok@museenkoeln.de
Legal notice
Opening times
Tuesday to Sunday
11am – 5pm
Every first Thursday in the month
11am – 10pm
Closed Mondays; open on All Saints' Day
Museum is closed on December 24th, Christmas Day (25 Dec), New Year's Eve (31 Dec) and New Year's Day (1 Jan). Museum is opend on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, German Unity Day and December 26.
more
Admission prices
€ 7,50 /reduced € 4,50
from 20 June
€ 9,50 /reduced € 5,50
KölnTag on the first Thursday of the month (except public holidays): free admission to the Museum for all Cologne residents.
more
How to get here
Public transport: Tram routes 1 and 7 and bus route 142, alight at ‘Universitätsstrasse’
There is a car park at the museum
more
Barrier-free
The museum is barrier-free. Disabled toilet available.
more
Museum für
Ostasiatische Kunst Köln
Universitätsstrasse 100
D 50674 Köln
Ticket office +49.221.221-28617
mok@museenkoeln.de
Legal notice
