Now to a major exhibition of Chinese art in Chicago. "Mirroring China's past: Emperors and Their Bronzes' opened over the weekend. The curators of the exhibit hope it will bring a greater understanding of Chinese art and history. CGTN's Dan Williams has the story.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States attracting more than one and a half million visitors each year.

The museum's latest attraction puts China in the spotlight. "Mirroring China's Past: Emperors and Their Bronzes" features some 180 works.

Many come from China's Bronze Age, about four-thousand years ago. Some are exquisitely decorated vessels used to carry sacrificial offerings for burial or to commemorate family at public ceremonies. The exhibit's curator Tao Wang spent two years bringing the exhibition together.

TAO WANG CURATOR "If you look at world art history and you can find certain things or period was the best in China. And the bronzes from the Bronze Age of China, and that period, they really were the best in the world. And in terms of technology, in terms of art, in terms of the significance to the culture, to the society, they are the best."

Beginning with the Song Dynasty, the works became collectable and symbolic items for emperors. They began collecting them as evidence of their own authority and legitimacy as rulers.

DAN WILLIAMS CHICAGO "The exhibition runs until May. The curators hope it will bring visitors closer to China's art and history as well as underline its continuing influence today."

Lu Zhang is a co-curator for the exhibition. She expects it to leave a deep impression on visitors.

LU ZHANG, ASSISTANT CURATOR MIRRORING CHINA'S PAST: EMPERORS & THEIR BRONZES "People really like the exhibition. So we really wanted to make this as down to earth as possible. You see in the gallery, we have different type of digital element, the intro film, the film showing the rubbing technique. We hope that we can really help people here understand more about the Chinese culture and the history and its art."

For many of the visitors, that message already appears to be hitting home.

"I really want to see more of this kind of stuff. I am Chinese, and I should know more about this. I hope this will help me to go in another direction and learn more about the ancient art of China."

The historical importance of these works is undeniable. But the aim of this exhibition is to bring a greater appreciation to a whole new generation. Dan Williams, CGTN, Chicago.