Wei Jie claudiamente@hotmail.com EXCELLENT news for dinosaur aficionados in Shenzhen: The awe-inspiring, authentic fossil skeletons of extinct behemoths, including the legendary Chinese dinosaur Mamenchisaurus and a formidable Moroccan mosasaur, have arrived in Shekou. They form the centerpiece of the grand “Curiosity” exhibition, a sweeping narrative of evolution from Earth’s primordial eras to the zenith of human artistry. The exhibition features more than 200 natural treasures and ancient masterpieces from around the world, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the evolutionary journey from the geologic ages to human civilization. “Human curiosity has never been confined by time or place,” Deng Ziyin, chief curator of the exhibition, told the Shenzhen Daily. “From the vast universe to ancient life and on to the resplendent galaxy of human civilization, we hope to create a dialogue across time and space. Using immersive digital art, we want to illuminate the past for the present and help audiences discover the spiritual ties that connect past and future.” Hailed as “China’s No. 1 Dinosaur,” the Mamenchisaurus — an astonishing 12 meters long — is on display to greet visitors. Other highlights include a Cretaceous marine predator up to 3.5 meters long; the Pliocene land giant known as the Yellow River saber-toothed elephant, roughly the height of a one-story building; and graceful Triassic crinoid fossils that showcase the unique charm of ancient marine filter feeders. These fossil treasures, spanning hundreds of millions of years, transport visitors to the magnificent prehistoric world and let them experience firsthand the formidable power of ancient life. The exhibition is organized into five themed sections that, in chronological order, bring natural creations and the treasures of human civilization spanning billions of years up close to visitors. Exhibits range from ancient meteorites and mineral clusters to iconic fossils charting the evolution of life, as well as early artifacts from major river basins such as the Nile, Mesopotamia (the Tigris–Euphrates region), and the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. Visitors can view Neolithic tools, pre‑Qin (221-207 B.C.) ritual bronzes, gold ornaments from the steppes, majestic imperial-era sculptures, and masterpieces from the Silk Road, among many other collectibles. Together, these objects tell a story of human ingenuity, shared wisdom and cultural exchange. One highlight is a statue of a Bactria‑Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) princess dating to about 4,000 years ago. With almond-shaped eyes, slightly upturned lips and a small nose, she wears a cap and a heavy patterned cloak that suggests the texture of cashmere. Rendered with simple lines and motifs, the sculpture evokes a divinely charged presence and exemplifies ancient art’s distinctive pursuit of form and symbolism. A gilt‑silver dish from the Sasanian dynasty (224–651 CE), raised from a single sheet of silver, also draws attention. At its center stands a ribbon-adorned mythical bird, surrounded by Sasanian-style grapevines with curling leaves and abundant fruit clusters — a testament to the exquisite skill of Persian metalwork. An avant-garde digital art team was commissioned to create a multimedia installation that uses dynamic projection, interactive visuals and immersive soundscapes to bring silent artifacts to life, offering a fresh, technology-driven experience shaped by imagination. Chen Chao, general manager of Shenzhen Shuoyuan Culture Co. Ltd., a co‑initiator of the exhibition, said “Curiosity” is a Shenzhen–Hong Kong collaborative project viewed through a youthful lens, designed to open a new window on civilization. Developed over three years in partnership with cultural institutions worldwide to assemble natural wonders and art treasures, the exhibition delivers a one-hour immersive journey: a cross‑temporal, cross‑spatial dialogue among civilizations, each distinguished by its unique aesthetic traditions. Dates: Until Feb. 27, 2026 Venue: UCCN Gallery, L2, Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Shekou, Nanshan District (蛇口文化艺术中心) Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A | 