Huimeng Guo
Design Thinking Spring
2 min readMar 26, 2024

--

During the holidays I went to the British Museum in London. As a beacon of human history, it houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years. Stepping into this sacred art palace, I immediately traveled to various continents and different eras. These artifacts bear witness to the richness and diversity of human civilization, and each tells a story of triumph, tragedy, and resilience. But when I strolled through the museum, I saw that many artifacts had faded or eroded, and some artifacts had been divided to facilitate transportation. I deeply felt the impact of time and environmental factors on these ancient treasures. Despite the best efforts of conservationists, these artworks remain susceptible to decay and damage. Every damage represents not only a loss of material value, but also a loss of intangible cultural significance.

This makes me feel extremely sad. Because the ancient and unique sense of culture and art inherent in these cultural relics is irreplaceable. It embodies the culture and history it carries, so these artifacts are priceless. However, for the so-called “protection of cultural relics”, they are transported in a cut-up manner, which is heartbreaking. It also deeply inspired me to realize the importance of cultural preservation. Appreciating cultural relics is a kind of aesthetic satisfaction, which is not limited to the enrichment of knowledge. One of the main reasons for protecting cultural heritage is to preserve the country’s history. Cultural heritage represents a tangible reminder of the past, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors’ experiences.

We can find innovative ways to ensure these treasures are preserved for centuries to come. In a world filled with uncertainty and conflict, humanity should unite to protect our past.

--

--