National Aquatics Center unveils 'Art Water Cube' retrospective

A poster for the new "Art Water Cube" exhibition displayed at the entrance of the National Aquatics Center, Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The National Aquatics Center, also known as the "Water Cube," unveiled a new exhibition on Dec. 29 in Beijing, featuring over 40 artworks from the venue's "Art Water Cube" collection. The display includes a selection of Chinese paintings, oil paintings and prints curated from the first three editions of the collection series.

With themes integrating nature and the humanities, the exhibition highlights the unique fusion of sports and artistic expression, with the aim of further strengthening the venue's role in connecting commercial activities with cultural offerings while expanding the reach of the "Art Water Cube" brand.

A collage of Chinese paintings on display in the exhibition, Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Launched in 2013 as the venue's cultural brand, the "Art Water Cube" initiative has consistently bridged the worlds of athletics and art through high-quality displays. Its inaugural collection, co-hosted with the China National Academy of Painting, showcased hundreds of contemporary calligraphy and painting works, earning widespread acclaim.

Over the past decade, the "Art Water Cube" initiative has evolved into a multifaceted platform, hosting a variety of exhibitions featuring international calligraphy and paintings, New Year-themed artworks, and site-specific installations. In 2025 alone, the venue hosted major exhibitions presenting artworks from Beijing's Nanchizi Museum as well asthe country's top art schools and leading universities.

Looking ahead, the National Aquatics Center will continue to host a diverse range of artistic events tofurther enrich its cultural offerings and enhance its multifaceted role as an Olympic venue.