The Getty: Cave Temples of Dunhuang

I have visited the Getty Center many times over the years and I have to say that I was really impressed with the replica caves and the 3D video from cave #45. This exhibit was incredibly impressive and really just overall astonishing to look at. It is incredible that the replicas are created using paper mache and hand painted to mimic the exact detail of the caves. I really felt like I was in the cave itself and really envy those who have had the chance to visit the real deal along the Silk Road. I have to say that in teaching AP World History for years, I was not aware of how many caves there were or the process and purpose in creating the caves. I believe the museum guide mentioned there were 492 caves. It was new to me that there are families who construct and decorate these caves for karmic reasons. The caves tell a story of the history along the Silk Road and I was pleasantly surprised by all the symbolism in the cave paintings and tapestries as well as many of the artifacts that were at the exhibit.



This is the link to the website. The caves will be on display until September 4th and the link provides a video on how this exhibit was made possible.
http://www.getty.edu/research/exhibitions_events/exhibitions/cave_temples_dunhuang/index.html