The exhibition Between the Two Seas: Archaeology Tells of Apulia opened on March 20 at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. The event is jointly organized by the China (Hainan) South China Sea Museum and the Government of Apulia, Italy, and supported by Art Exhibitions China.
As 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, this exhibition serves as a meaningful step in advancing the Global Civilization Initiative, reinforcing the shared commitment between the two heads of state to strengthen cooperation between museums, archaeological institutions, heritage sites and other cultural institutions. Through a collection of over 200 exquisite artifacts from multiple Italian museums and cultural institutions, the exhibition bridges time and space, offering a vivid testament to the spirit of mutual respect and inter-civilizational exchange.
Located off Italy’s eastern coast, the Adriatic Sea has long been a crucial route for cultural exchange and trade across the Mediterranean. It connects to the Ionian Sea, forming a vital maritime passage that links Italy with Greece, the Near East and North Africa. Apulia, positioned at the east tip of the Italian Peninsula, has historically served as a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.
The exhibition is organized into five sections: "Sea of Gods: The Pantheon of Deities", "Cycles of Shore and Sea: Ever-changing Ports and Harbors", "Into the Ocean: Sunken Treasures from Shipwrecks", "Sailing the Seas: Tools for Maritime Exploration" and "Myth Reimagined: Civilizations in Dialogue". By focusing on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the exhibition brings Apulia’s rich history to life, offering insights into the region’s extensive archaeological discoveries and its role in Mediterranean heritage.
Source: Art Exhibitions China
Photo credit: China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea