The historic Beijing Fang near Qianmen has become a portal to early 20th-century Vienna with the launch of the "Golden Age: Gustav Klimt Digital Art Exhibition." Co-organized by the Austrian Embassy's Cultural Office and Hispano Suiza Creative Design, this immersive showcase merges technology and tradition to reinterpret 23 iconic prints by the Art Nouveau master.
Visitors navigate interactive projections of Klimt's gilded masterpieces like The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, accompanied by a curated soundtrack of Viennese classical music. "This exhibition bridges cultures through innovation," said Austrian Cultural Attaché Dr. Lena Hofbauer. "It allows Chinese audiences to experience Klimt's vision in a dynamic new context."
The exhibition forms part of a national tour highlighting growing cultural exchanges between China and Austria. Analysts note its timing coincides with increased European interest in China's digital art market, projected to grow 14% annually through 2026. For Beijing-based art students like Liu Wei, the show offers fresh perspectives: "Seeing Klimt's patterns come alive helps me understand his influence on modern design."
Open through October, the free-admission event has already drawn international attention, with evening sessions extended to accommodate demand. Tourism officials suggest pairing visits with Qianmen's traditional courtyard architecture for a full cultural experience.
