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A new Scottish-led exhibition exploring the links between Edinburgh and Nanjing opened at Edinburgh Castle this month.
A Tale of Two Cities pairs the Scottish capital with the former capital of China, and investigates the similarities and differences using a combination of archival material and technology to explain the stories of both cities.
Located within the castle's royal apartments, the exhibition explores and compares the architectural and urban development of the two municipalities, both of which have areas designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It also provides insights to the domestic, industrial, educational and cultural lives of each city over the centuries.
The exhibition was previously on show at the newly opened Nanjing Museum in China, and was seen by over one million people.
Get interactive
Co-curated by new public heritage body, Historic Environment Scotland, A Tale of Two Cities takes visitors on an interactive journey showing how urban areas develop over time.
Using digital touch tables, visitors are able to chart Edinburgh’s development from when Arthur’s Seat was an active volcano, through the creation of the old and new towns, right up to the present day.
Groups can also explore parallel development in Edinburgh’s partner cities using an interactive exhibit which strips back the layers of urban history.
A future partnership with Lisbon
It has recently been announced that the Portuguese capital of Lisbon will be the Edinburgh Castle exhibition’s new partner for 2016.
Joana Sousa Monteiro, director of the Museum of Lisbon, said: “Our two cities have a lot in common in the way they have developed, for example the way the modern city of Lisbon was redesigned after the earthquake of 1755 influenced the plan and design of Edinburgh’s New Town. It will be exciting to rediscover our own story alongside Edinburgh’s as we develop the new exhibition.”
Group travel information
A Tale of Two Cities is included in the cost of admission to Edinburgh Castle.
GTOs will receive ten percent off tickets when booking for 11 or more people.
For further information e-mail hs.explorer@gov.scot or visit www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk.
