Prepare to be captivated by the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla (57 BCE-935 CE) as the prestigious Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris proudly presents “Silla: Gold and the Sacred. Royal Treasures of Korea.” Opening on May 20, this landmark **Silla exhibition** celebrates the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France, offering an unparalleled journey into a golden era of **Korean culture and heritage**.
This groundbreaking event marks the **first exhibition in Europe exclusively dedicated to Silla** and stands as the largest of its kind ever held overseas. Co-organized by the Guimet Museum and South Korea’s Gyeongju National Museum, this is a monumental display of **ancient Korean royal treasures** never before seen on this scale outside of Asia.
Showcasing an extraordinary collection of 148 artifacts, the exhibition illuminates the power and artistry of Silla, a kingdom that once governed two-thirds of the Korean Peninsula. Among the must-see highlights are the magnificent **gold crown** and **gold belt**, painstakingly excavated from the famed Geumgwanchong tomb. These relics, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship, first brought global attention to Silla’s sophisticated artistry over a century ago and remain iconic symbols of **Korean heritage**.
Tracing the evolution of the **ancient Korean kingdom** from its formative years to its eventual decline, the exhibition is thoughtfully structured into five thematic sections. Visitors will explore the rich history, diverse artistic expressions, and enduring memory of a state deeply interwoven with powerful spiritual traditions and political dynamics, offering a comprehensive look at **Silla’s legacy**.
As highlighted by the Guimet Museum, this exhibition “offers a fresh perspective on this civilization, revealing how political, religious and aesthetic dynamics intertwined to produce a legacy that has survived to this day.” It promises an immersive cultural experience for anyone interested in **Korean history and art**.
The **Silla: Gold and the Sacred** exhibition will run in Paris until August 31. Following its successful run in France, these invaluable **Korean royal treasures** will then travel to the Shanghai Museum, where the exhibition is scheduled to open on September 22.
