The notoriously private grounds of Qianlong Garden in Beijing's Forbidden City will soon be accessible to the general public through a new Interpretation Centre. 

Non-profit organisation World Monuments Fund announced this week that New York architect Annabelle Selldorf would design the centre, making her one of only a handful of American architects to lead projects at the site. 

The development is part of a comprehensive restoration being undertaken by WMF in partnership with the Palace Museum.

Qianlong Garden Interpretation Centre

• American architect Annabelle Selldorf to design new centre giving the public unprecedented acccess to Qianlong Garden.
• Interpretation centre is part of restoration project conducted by the World Monuments Fund and the Palace Museum.
• Project to be completed in conjunction with the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City in 2020.

WMF interim CEO Lisa Ackerman said the organisation was honoured to have Ms Selldorf onboard for the project.

“Annabelle’s talent and vision paired with her passion for architecture and history are sure to produce an unforgettable experience for visitors to the Qianlong Garden,” she said.

Occupying almost two acres in the northeast quadrant of the Forbidden City, the Qianlong Garden was built by the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty between 1771 and 1776 to serve as part of his planned retirement complex for use following his 60 year reign.

He designed the garden as a private retreat, with four courtyards, elaborate rockeries, and some 27 pavilions and structures.

Having been left dormant since the departure of the last Emperor in 1924, the garden's buildings have never been open to the public.

The modern restoration is being carried out in four stages, the first of which was the conservation of Juanqinzhai (Studio of Exhaustion from Diligent Service) in 2008.

A drawing of the proposed Interpretation Centre. Source: WMF

Three other structures in the fourth courtyard, including Fuwangge (Belvedere of Viewing Achievements), Zhuxiangguan (Lodge of Bamboo Fragrance), and Yucuixuan (Bower of Purest Jade), were conserved and completed in 2016. 

Restoration of the interior and exterior of buildings in the first, second, and third courtyards is currently underway and set to be completed in tandem with the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City in 2020.

Ms Selldorf said the project reflected the fundamental values of her achitecture firm.

"Projects like the new Interpretation Center at the Qianlong Garden, that bring people together in a spirit of inquiry and inclusiveness, are at the core of our practice," she said.

"It has been a great pleasure and honor to work with World Monuments Fund to create an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the Gardens and experience their beauty and wonder first-hand."

For more information about the project, visit wmf.org.

Souce: WMF

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