Sample some of da Vinci's genius

Pages from Codex Atlanticus are among the exhibits of Dialog with Leonardo da Vinci to mark the opening of the Tsinghua University Art Museum.

A selection of the works will be displayed at the upcoming shows being held to mark the TAM's official opening.

Speaking about the TAM, Feng Yuan, its director, says the museum is a real "palace" whose architecture rivals other prominent museums in the country.

He adds that one of his goals is to keep the museum attractive for visitors in the long run.

Speaking to journalists at a media preview late last month, Feng, who ran the National Art Museum of China between 2004 and 2005, says many museums gradually lose visitors because they don't rotate their displays, and also because they lack sustainable financial support and staff members who are experienced in museum management.

Referring to competition from other museums, he says: "Of course we can't rival the Palace Museum or the Capital Museum in collections. But we can exchange items with them."

As for the TAM's upcoming exhibitions, they will feature bronze ware from the Shang (c.16th century-11th century BC) and Zhou (c.11th century-256 BC) dynasties on loan from the National Museum of China, and paintings from the National Art Museum of China.

Feng says the TAM is also reaching out to college museums abroad for academic cooperation and, hopefully, for exhibitions in the future.