Approaching Luoyang Through its History

A few days ago, a special meeting was held in Luoyang City, Henan Province, to discuss the display of exhibits in Han-Wei Ancient Luoyang City National Archaeological Site Park and other issues.

Museums are for storytelling and the way they tell stories is by the display of exhibits. In the past, some museums picked their best collections and display for years without changes. But nowadays, more and more young visitors appear with new demands, that is to learn stories about the antiques instead of merely appreciating them, which poses a major challenge but also a rare opportunity for museums, i.e., seeking the best way to "activate" cultural relics and then tell stories well.

Newly-built museums must discard the outdated way of display and learn to express themselves in a modern tone from the very beginning. This also pushes old museums to innovate their ways of expression, turning the "old treasure houses" with collection and research as main functions into the "new trends of culture" that allow visitors to approach history and gain new knowledge.

In a new era of cultural tourism, museums have long been on the forefront of attracting tourists. In the first half of the year, some museums in Luoyang explored a variety of activities featuring nighttime visiting, attracting a large number of young people. That's how we learn a city by hearing the story that its history have told us. To this end, museums need to target young people and tell stories of cultural relics well in an innovative, immersive, and a popular way, so visitors can learn from history and enhance cultural confidence.