Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

China Appears At Museum Of Discovery

The Museum of Discovery's newest country of the year exhibit, China: Where Past Meets Present,' opened September 17, exploring China, the mysterious giant of the Orient. The exhibit will run through July, 2000.

China's culture is ancient; its written history is 3,500 years old, And what an impact the Chinese have made on the modern world  from the invention of paper to martial arts to Chinese medicine and food.

The 1990's have seen an increased interest in China. East meets West everyday in the pursuits of Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and herbal remedies; martial arts as kung fu and ti chi; Chinese cooking such as stir-frying and foods like 1,000 year old eggs; and the popularization of Chinese inspired clothing, furniture, gardens and architecture.

Intellectual thoughts have been impacted by the Chinese teachings of Confucius, Taoism and Buddhism. Even Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of interpreting and controlling the cosmos in an effort to create harmony, has filtered into our popular culture.

Of special interest in the exhibit is a 6'4" clay replica of a Chinese soldier, one of 8,000 who guarded the tomb of China's first emperor, Chi Huangdi of Qin dynasty. Also featured is Dr. Yunchi Yeh's collection of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

These figures, along with other religious objects, are displayed in a peaceful cave grotto with waterfall and goldfish. Kids of all ages will enjoy the museum's year of the Dragon try-on station with colorful, authentic Chinese clothing, and the pagoda playhouse. Additionally, the Museum's Chinese tortoise with live in his own little palace within the exhibit.

Photos of China by internationally known Arkansas photographer Matt Bradley will also be on display.

The real fireworks, a Chinese invention, begins with the Museum's funtastic,' hands-on learning adventure on China for school groups. From Chopsticks to the Great Wall, this exhibit and program are not to be missed. Call the museum at 501-396-7061 for group reservations.

A part of a larger exhibition in progress, entitled Arkansas: Passport to the World, the Museum's Country of the Year,' exhibit is a rotating space where guests explore a country, its geography and its people, including various ethnic groups, indigenous inhabitants and all the combined cultures that make up the flavor of the country.

The country of the year exhibits also investigate a country's flora and fauna; celebrations and holidays; religions and beliefs; language; economics and industry; and ancient and present history.

Sponsors of the country of the year exhibit are the Ben J. Altheimer Charitable Foundation, Little Rock Distributing and Reubel Funeral Home. Promotional sponsor for China: Where Past Meets Present is Comcast.

The Museum of Discovery is at 500 E. Markham in the River Market District of Little Rock.

Admission to the Museum is $5.50 per adult 13-64; $5 per child 3-12 and seniors 65 and over; children two and under are free. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more and for school groups.

The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. For more information call 501-396-7050.