Exhibition｜No. 1 Waitanyuan, Shanghai Bund: A Century of Treccani Palace in Italy

The Beauty of Materiality and the Spirit of Craftsmanship No. 1 Waitanyuan (No. 33 Zhongshan East First Road), formerly the British Consulate-General in Shanghai, is the oldest existing building on the Bund's first interface. The main building was originally constructed in 1849, and the well-preserved structure seen today was rebuilt in 1872. Its facade showcases the British Renaissance style with a veranda-style architectural design. This building is one of the earliest examples of cement use in China, marking a milestone in architectural history. No. 1 Waitanyuan stands as a significant part of Shanghai's urban development and architectural history. Today, this historical building serves as an art exhibition space, open to the public. "A Century of Treccani Palace" is a special exhibition held at No. 1 Waitanyuan by the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani to celebrate its centennial anniversary. The exhibition is titled "A Century of Treccani Palace in Italy (1925-2025): A Temple of World Culture." Founded on February 18, 1925, the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani is renowned for compiling the Enciclopedia Italiana, symbolizing Italian culture and scholarship. This exhibition presents Treccani's century-long journey through over a hundred rare books, digital images, and interactive installations. The exhibition's highlights comprise three main sections: First, a facsimile of *The Divine Comedy* manuscript and derivative works, including the earliest and most ornate version housed in the British Library, featuring 247 detailed miniature paintings of high iconographic value. Second, "Da Vinci's Manuscripts," showcasing facsimiles from the *Codex Forster* series, covering mathematics, physics, philosophy, and other fields, demonstrating Da Vinci's multifaceted talents. Third, *Dressing the Dream*: a globally debuting collection of books with covers in red velvet and Renaissance gold embroidery, revealing the profound connection between Italian clothing culture and art. "When a land is buried deep in dust, it becomes merely a historical and spiritual remnant sketched by imagination. When it resurfaces, it transforms into a tangible material space. Only when it becomes an inexhaustible source of inspiration, passed down through generations in art, literature, and music, does it achieve eternal brilliance." Shanghai, China