ACM and Anima Mundi: Chinese Christian art from the Vatican Museums

ACM welcomes a selection of Chinese Christian art from the Vatican Museums in Rome, in its latest rotation of the Christian Art Gallery. Drawn from the Anima Mundi (meaning “Soul of the World”), these are little-known treasures of Christian art made in Asia.

The public will be able to view up-close how the Catholic Church was able to integrate traditional Asian elements into its art. These intricate objects reveal the ingenuity of Asian artisans and craftsmen, who were able to adapt their work to incorporate foreign aesthetics and ideas that made them more appealing to local audiences. The artistic and cultural exchanges expressed through these works demonstrate how art can foster meaningful dialogue among religions and cultures.

These beautiful creations complement the existing display containing masterpieces from Singapore’s National Collection, reminding us of the history of religious harmony and tolerance amid diverse faiths around the world. ACM and Anima Mundi are one of the few museums that have dedicated a permanent space to presenting Christian works of art made in Asia, which tell important stories of love, diversity, and resilience.

ACM and Anima Mundi: Chinese Christian art from the Vatican Museums is a part of ACM’s year-long series of programmes and gallery rotations in commemoration of its 25th anniversary, dedicated to the cross-cultural connections and shared heritage of Singapore and the region.