A Masterwork Restored: The Forbidden City's Qianlong Garden

Discover the stories and craftsmanship behind Qianlong Garden, a luxurious private retreat within China’s imperial palace. Join Dr. Jonathan S. Bell, Senior Vice President of Global Preservation Strategy at World Monuments Fund, for an in-depth look at the history and conservation of this rarely seen gem of the Forbidden City. 

Nestled within the sprawling complex where 24 Ming and Qing rulers once dwelled, Qianlong Garden provided a peaceful sanctuary fit for an emperor. The secluded lodge and garden’s fabulous interiors reflect the pinnacle of 18th-century Chinese art and the brilliance of traditional design and aesthetics.  

Since 2000, World Monuments Fund and the Palace Museum have partnered on an extensive conservation project to restore Qianlong Garden; this September marked the official public reopening of its first and second courtyards. A new onsite exhibition and accompanying publication offer visitors a comprehensive look at the site’s design and artistry for the first time

This event is free and open to the public as part of the Asian Art Museum’s Thursday Nights event series. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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  About World Monuments Fund

  World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s most treasured places to enrich people’s lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities. WMF is headquartered in New York City with offices and affiliates in Cambodia, China, France, India, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Since 1965, this global team of experts has preserved the world’s diverse cultural heritage using the highest international standards at more than 700 sites in 112 countries. In 2025, WMF celebrates 60 years of protecting cultural heritage around the globe.  

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  About the Speaker

  Dr. Jonathan S. Bell came to World Monuments Fund from National Geographic Society, where he oversaw a portfolio of projects including archaeological research and cultural heritage. He has conducted work with the Getty Conservation Institute on World Heritage Sites in China and Egypt;, evaluation of cultural site management from Kazakhstan to Colombia; and strategic planning oversight for large–scale flood infrastructure for the County of Los Angeles. Dr. Bell serves on multiple ICOMOS scientific committees and the Editorial Board of the Journal of Architectural Conservation. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University, a DEA from the Sorbonne, an MSc in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from UCLA.