I’ve always wanted to learn more about my heritage.  OK, so I have no aristocratic roots (I’m not Lady Mary, here!), but Chinese history, even if it has nothing to do with my background due to my (mostly) peasant roots is still is very interesting, so I was really excited when I received an invitation to preview The Forbidden City exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum.  Here in Toronto until September 1, the exhibit includes many artifacts that have never been outside of China, chronicling the daily lives of those who lived in what was considered the world’s largest imperial palace.

The exhibit takes people from the outer parts of the palace to the most private quarters that was only accessed by the emperor himself.  Exhibits include artwork, photographs as well as artifacts in enclosed glass (including a pair of jade chopsticks and a garment worn by Puyi, the child emperor, also known as the Last Emperor).  There is also some video and animated (in the style of shadow puppets) footage.  Each artifact is accompanied by information (though it would have been nice if there were headsets as people don’t necessarily want to bend down to read each description).

I was most interested in the daily life of Cixi, the Empress Dowager.  According to the exhibit, every morning, she would wrap her her hands in towels and soak them in a hot water bath for long periods of time – so long that the water had to be changed several times.  This was followed by putting hot towels on her face, again for a long period of time, before she got her hair and make-up done.  This was followed by tea.  Imagine that – a facial every morning!  Though, at the same time, living in the Forbidden City often seemed…isolating.  Puyi, for example, did not see another kid his age until he was 10 years old.  I guess he didn’t miss what he didn’t know, but still.

As noted earlier, The Forbidden City runs until September 1.  However, because some of the items are extremely delicate, they will need to be sent back to the vault in China after three months.  Therefore, what one sees right now will not be at the museum in June, when items are going to be replaced.  This is definitely something one would want to go see more than once!

Note: As this is not a permanent exhibit at the ROM, an additional charge is required.  For ticket prices, please visit the website.