Organizers started to collect historical photos from the public yesterday in preparation for a photo exhibition planned for October to mark the 80th anniversary of China's National Palace Museum.

To accurately record and display the historical changes and rich culture of the Museum, organizers of "Zhong liang bei: Impression of the National Palace Museum," alongside publishers of the exhibit's brochure, have started collecting pictures of the famous museum, ranging from its people, scenery, architecture and history.

Officials from the Museum and experts on photography will select the top photos from among the submissions to be displayed in the exhibition alongside other works from international masters.

The collection project targets professional photographers and fans of photography, as well as ordinary people with photos that in some way display the Museum's history and culture. The call for photos ends August 20th.

Zheng Xinmiao, President of the National Palace Museum and Deputy Minister of the Culture Department of China, says the photo exhibition will help people obtain a better understanding of the National Palace Museum through the lens of a camera.

Different awards amounting to 100 thousand yuan in total will be given to those whose works are chosen.

(CRIEnglish.com July 31, 2006)