Virginia Museum of Fine Arts director Alex Nyerges calls it "the most important traveling exhibition" in the museum's "nearly 80 year history." On Tuesday evening, Oct. 14 a galaxy of the state's cultural business and political leaders gathered on the Boulevard for "An Evening in the Forbidden City," a black tie preview and dinner gala to kick off "Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum, Beijing." The Chinese museum, which was once closed to all but a few, now welcomes 15 million visitors annually. Visitors to the VMFA exhibition get an eye-popping sampling of the collection -- large portraits, costumes, furniture, religious sculptures and fine decorative pieces -- ranging from the 14th century Ming Dynasty to early 20th century pieces.…[ Read more ]