Envisioning Transnational Exhibiting Cultures in Early Twentieth-Century China: Zhang Jian and His Visionary Museum Endeavors

Scholars have examined the Nantong Museum and the Nanyang Exposition as significant milestones in the history of museums and exhibitions in China. Established in 1905 in Jiangsu province, the Nantong Museum was the first Chinese-sponsored museum, while the Nanyang Exposition, organized in 1910 in Nanjing, marked China’s inaugural World’s Fair. Both institutions are closely associated with Zhang Jian (1853-1926), an urban reformist who spent 70 days observing Japan’s modernization in 1903. This paper begins by exploring the perspectives of late Qing elites on museums and exhibitions within the context of transnational cultural exchanges. It specifically addresses Zhang Jian’s vision for establishing museums in China, which corresponded with his educational and industrial aspirations. In the late 20th century, the acronym “GLAM” was introduced to denote galleries, libraries, archives, and museums. Historical developments indicate that, as early as the early 20th century, exhibition spaces included not only venues for displaying artifacts but also botanical gardens and libraries, providing valuable insights into the classification of modern museums. This paper investigates the emergence of museums in China and emphasizes Zhang Jian’s innovative efforts to create exhibition complexes that integrate Chinese traditions with international influences, thereby showcasing his forward-thinking perspective on art and cultural institutions.