More than 6 million Chinese are expected to see the gods and heroes of Greek mythology “come to life” before their eyes at the first large-scale digital art exhibition in China, organized with the support and cooperation of the Greek Embassy in Beijing at the Solana Beijing complex, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the Chinese capital.
Through virtual reality headsets and a multimedia app for mobile phones, exhibition visitors will be able to witness, among other things, Zeus shining on his throne above the entrance gate of the popular multiplex, the winged Pegasus soaring through the skies above the movie theater complex, and Dionysus offering Greek wine to visitors at the restaurants. At the same time, in a specially designed area in the central plaza, inside a 6-meter-tall replica of an ancient Greek helmet, a 3D video featuring scenes from Greek mythology will be screened. The exhibition is accompanied by promotional spots from the Greek National Tourism Organization, displayed at selected locations throughout the shopping center.
«Our myths and traditions have always served as a bridge between the two cultures. With this exhibition, our Chinese friends will have the opportunity to almost touch the ancient Greek gods and heroes, enjoying a truly fascinating experience,» said Dr. Eugenios Kalpyris, Greece’s Ambassador to China, on the occasion of the exhibition’s opening.
The exhibition opens this Saturday, April 22, following a 15-day trial run, and will run through the end of June, after which it is expected to travel to the 478 shopping centers throughout China managed by the Wanda Group, which also manages Solana Beijing.
The exhibition’s total budget exceeded 700,000 euros, which was funded entirely by the organizers—Solana Beijing, ONEK MR+, and the Wanda Group, while the implementation of the digital presentations and the development of the software took more than six months.
Approximately 70,000 people visit the shopping center every day.
