Preserving Craftsmanship: Vacheron Constantin Partners With Palace Museum Educational Institute
Vacheron Constantin, renowned for its commitment to art and culture, has formed a new partnership with the Educational Institute of the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City. This alliance underscores Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to heritage conservation, training, and education, particularly on Chinese soil, where the brand has had a presence since 1845.
This partnership represents a continuation of Vacheron Constantin’s long-standing engagement with the arts, reflecting its historical influences from various cultural regions. The Maison has a tradition of producing exquisitely ornamented timepieces that blend watchmaking expertise with decorative arts. Vacheron Constantin’s collaborations with museums began in 2007 with the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, followed by partnerships with the Louvre in 2019 and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2023.
The partnership with the Educational Institute of the Palace Museum aims to develop educational programs that promote cultural heritage, facilitate exchanges between civilizations, and enhance the transmission of skills and craftsmanship. The institutions collaborate on various projects, including master classes, watchmaking classrooms, research, and joint exhibitions. This initiative aligns with Vacheron Constantin’s tradition of knowledge transmission, dating back to its founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron, who hired his first apprentice in 1755.
Vacheron Constantin’s relationship with China dates back to 1845. Over the years, the Maison has drawn inspiration from Chinese traditions, legends, and crafts, creating exceptional timepieces like the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Phoenix and Dragon and the Métiers d’Art series. In 2024, the Maison will introduce the Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication watch, featuring a Chinese perpetual calendar programmed up to 2200.
Established by the Palace Museum, the Educational Institute promotes traditional Chinese culture through education. Certified by the Ministry of Education of China and the Education Bureau of Dongcheng District of Beijing, the Institute offers diverse art and culture education, utilizing the Palace Museum’s collections and expertise to benefit the public.
Read more at www.vacheron-constantin.com.