Ningbo Customs conducts on-site supervision of artifacts from the Art Institute of Chicago. [Photo by Yao Juping/Tide News]

Over 30 treasured artworks from the Art Institute of Chicago have arrived at Ningbo Museum, including two masterpieces from Claude Monet's renowned Water Lilies series.

The exhibition, titled Monet's Poetry: A Dialogue between Eastern and Western Aesthetics from Chicago to the Three Rivers Estuary, will be Ningbo Museum's flagship show of the year.

It brings together highlights from both institutions, juxtaposing Chinese ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, and calligraphy with European glassware, prints, and sculptures.

This Chicago collection has already toured Beijing and Suzhou, with Ningbo serving as the final stop. "The artworks are original pieces of immense value, requiring strict transport and storage conditions," said Chen Chao of Ningbo Museum. "We worried about the tight schedule, but customs clearance and supervision were remarkably efficient."

Because many of the works are paintings sensitive to light, dust, and humidity, Yinzhou Customs established a dedicated liaison mechanism with the museum to guarantee safe installation. "Our goal was to ensure every piece could be displayed under optimal conditions for Ningbo citizens," noted Yu Xue, a senior customs official.

Ningbo Customs conducts on-site supervision of artifacts from the Art Institute of Chicago. [Photo by Yao Juping/Tide News]