When the tall marble statue from the fifth century B.C. was unveiled at the National Museum of China on October 21, attendees couldn’t help but let out a collective sigh of awe.

This moment marked the arrival of a significant exhibit – a marble Kouroi (depicted as Apollo or a youthful male) that traveled all the way from Greece. It is set to be a centerpiece in the upcoming exhibition titled “Diversity of Beauty: Arts and Life in Ancient Greece.”

According to experts from the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, Kouroi are vital sculptural forms from the Archaic period (circa 7th to 6th centuries B.C.), representing the ideals of the aristocracy of that time. These statues either portray deities or the most beautiful young men at the peak of their vitality. The featured statue exhibits a mysterious smile, an eternally youthful physique, radiating beauty, strength, hope, and blessings.

Collaboratively organized by the National Museum of China and the National Archaeological Museum of Greece, this exhibition aims to explore the ancient Greeks’ persistent pursuit and diverse expressions of “beauty” throughout nearly 5,000 years of history, from the Neolithic era to the end of the Hellenistic period. It highlights the unique role that beauty played in their spiritual world and how the Greeks transcended themselves through this exploration.

Zhu Xiaoyun, the curator from the National Museum of China and head of the International Liaison Department, explained that the exhibition focuses on the theme of beauty, unfolding a vivid aesthetic narrative through the lenses of “everyday life,” “adornment,” and “the human form.” This approach challenges the rigid stereotype of associating ancient Greece exclusively with the classical period. Notably, among the exhibits is a third-century B.C. statue of Aphrodite, which will be showcased outside of Greece for the first time after extensive cleaning, preservation, and X-ray assessment of its interior assembly.

Liao Fei, deputy director of the museum’s Development and Management Department, shared that the event features a series of creative cultural products inspired by stories of the goddesses. This includes over fifty items such as plush toys, scented candles, scarves, bags, refrigerator magnets, jewelry, and food items, allowing visitors to carry the essence of “beauty” home with them.

The exhibition is scheduled to open on November 5 and will run until June 5, 2025.