On this year's International Museum Day (May 18, 2026), the Capital Museum will launch a blockbuster exhibition called "Maize, Gold, Jaguars—A Grand Exhibition of Ancient Mayan and Andean Civilizations", as part of the museum's "Exchange and Mutual Learning among World Civilizations" (世界文明交流互鉴) series. This stunning exhibition will break records in the museum’s history in terms of both the number of exhibits and the scale of collaborating institutions.
Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased via the official WeChat account and mini-program of the Capital Museum. Early bird tickets, priced at 88 yuan, will be available until May 8.
The exhibition is distinguished by citywide collaboration, museum-wide integration, immersive experiences throughout visitor journey, and a cohesive narrative. It will cover three major halls and public spaces of the Capital Museum, totaling nearly 10,000 square meters, making it the largest exhibition in the museum's history. About 800 precious, rare artifacts spanning 3,000 years will offer visitors a deep dive into the Mayan and Andean civilizations.
The exhibition, unprecedented in scale and rich in highlights, is divided into three sections.
Section One: "Mayas, Ceiba y Cosmos" (Mayans, Ceiba, and Cosmos)
Building on previous touring exhibitions, this section has assembled an additional collection of artifacts from Mexico, 90 percent of which are on display in Beijing for the first time.
Rabbit Relief Seal
Sculpture of Atlas
Jaguar-shaped Flag Stand
Polychrome Cup with Anthropomorphic Decoration
Section Two: "Oro, Poder y Eternidad" (Gold, Power and Eternity)
This section will, for the first time, present archaeological discoveries from the royal tombs of Sipán, part of the most important archaeological findings in South America in the 20th century. Visitors can learn about the burial customs of the Moche nobles and the exquisite metal craftsmanship of the Moche. Among the artifacts, 80 percent are coming to China for the first time, and 50 percent are leaving Peru for overseas display for the first time.
Pottery in the Form of Metal Smelting Scene
Gold Headdress
Gold Earring with Deer Motif
Feline-shaped Vase
Gold Alpaca Sculpture
Section Three: "Nature Spirit"
This section will use a narrative approach to describe the emotional bond between humans and animals. All exhibits are coming to China for the first time.
Figure in Jaguar Attire
Ceramic Bowl with Bird Motif
Monkey-shaped Seal
Figure Playing Musical Instrument
Sculpture of Dancing Dogs
Alongside the exhibition, the museum will launch an experience space highlighting cultural creativity. In the public area on B1, immersive scenes have been created with elements such as jaguars, solar calendars and pyramids. Visitors can collect stamps free of charge. More than 300 types of themed souvenirs will be available for purchase, and a VR experience will take you back to the ancient Mayan sacrificial site. The culinary offerings are something you cannot miss. Under the guidance of Mexican and Peruvian chefs, ancient-style corn juice and cocoa drinks will be offered, alongside a selection of Beijing's local snacks.
The biggest highlight will be the immersive puzzle-solving game "Unlocking the Triple Codes of Ancient American Civilizations" (解开美洲古代文明的三重密码). With an NFC wristband, a scepter and other tools, you can have a glimpse of ancient American civilizations through interactive puzzles both inside and outside the exhibition halls, online and offline.
(Source: Beijing Fabu)