Museums build bridges across countries

The 2026 Intermuseum BRICS+ Festival, held in Moscow at the end of May, united museum directors, scholars, and experts from 26 countries, including Russia, China, Brazil, India, South Africa, and the UAE. Under the theme *Museum — Territory of the Future*, participants explored how cultural institutions can bridge civilizations through exhibitions rooted in research and local adaptation. During discussions, Chinese and Russian professionals agreed that high-quality cross-cultural exhibitions require more than symbolic displays—they demand deep research, two-way communication, and tailored engagement. Ai Lin, director of Nanjing’s Deji Art Museum, shared the success of *An Era in Jinling*, a digital exhibition inspired by a 10-meter Song Dynasty painting depicting Nanjing’s bustling streets. Using electronic bracelets, visitors interact with a 110-meter digital recreation, creating avatars to explore ancient life, from chatting with vendors to setting off fireworks. The exhibition’s international tours, including stops in France and the US, incorporate local cultural ties. For example, Nanjing’s Qinhuai River—central to the show—was connected to Moscow’s Moskva River by framing both as ‘urban mother rivers’ vital to trade, culture, and history. This approach fosters emotional resonance beyond factual explanations. Russian museum leaders praised the collaboration potential. Ekaterina Pronicheva of the Pushkin State Museum noted rising Russian interest in Chinese cities like Xi’an and Nanjing, while Ksenia Guseva of the Museum of Moscow cited past events like *New Year in Old Beijing*, which drew crowds but revealed challenges in conveying deeper cultural meaning. The festival’s discussions highlighted opportunities for joint exhibitions that blend global heritage with local narratives.