Permanent exhibition

For more than eight thousand years, people in China have treasured jade.

A second-century Chinese text described jade, the “fairest of stones,” as having five virtues:

Benevolence is symbolized by its warm luster;
loyalty by its translucency;
wisdom by its melodious sound when gently struck;
courage by its steadfastness;
and integrity by its purity.

Jade has meant many things to many people. Its luminous beauty and extraordinary durability have inspired cultures throughout history to invest it with meaning.

In China, the meanings have persisted for ages. Since the dawn of this vast nation’s history, jade has represented prosperity, virtue, and power.

Discover the stone that is more than a stone in The Field Museum’s newly renovated Hall of Jades. This stunning permanent display of more than 450 objects from the Museum’s collection takes you on a walk through China’s history, from prehistoric burials through two thousand years of the world’s most enduring empire.

Explore the story of jade, and learn about an ancient land and its most potent symbol.

Take a walk through some exhibition highlights.




The majority of the jades in The Field Museum's Hall of Jades were donated by Mrs. George T. (Frances Ann Gaylord) Smith, Kate S. Buckingham, Mrs. John J. (Harriet Blair) Borland, Martin A. Ryerson, Julius Rosenwald, Otto C. Doering, and Martin C. Schwab in 1926; collected by A.W. Bahr. Many additional jades were given at the bequest of Mrs. George T. (Frances Ann Gaylord) Smith in 1936; collected by Mrs. G. T. Smith.