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Opening Ceremony Video!

The stage was arrranged beautifully. The backdrop was a close-up photograph of a Sweet Home Mine rhodochrosite with the exhibition title "Mineral Treasures of the World" written in both languages. 

The Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC and two Ministers were part of the opening ceremony, along with museum management and a host of others. This was a BIG day for all involved, including the entire mineral collecting community of the world.

Jia Yueming, Director of the Geological Museum of China, welcomed all in attendance and pronounced the exhibition open.



The ribbon cutting ceremony! Bai Lichen, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, does the honor of cutting the ribbon.



All the dignitaries made opening remarks along with Bryan, who presented Jia Yueming with a specimen from the Sweet Home Mine as a token of our friendship with the museum.





As everyone moved inside they were all treated to a display of minerals like they had never seen.



Everybody had a great time and the government leaders were proud to have a exhibition of this quality at their Geological Museum!



The press interviews continued inside. Cao Xiping, Deputy Director of the Geological Museum of China, answers questions in front of one of the many display cases.



John Rakovan, one of the Executive Editors of Rocks & Minerals Magazine, was in attendance at the opening. Kristina Bode with Mineralienwelt Magazine was also a guest at the event.



Graham Sutton even thought this might be important enough for him to wear a tie!



Here are a few photos of the displays at the museum.

Of course there is a case or two of Chinese specimens!



After a very successful day a celebration was in order!!! Here Bryan and Jia toast the efforts of all involved!



A friend of Kristina needed a little help with her chopsticks!



I think Graham has a fish bone stuck in his teeth!



Steve and Graham were in China for over a week getting everything in order for the opening. Here is Steve and Min in our office at the museum.



A few days before the opening two banners the height of the museum were draped outside to celebrate the upcoming opening.



This made Steve a very happy man!!! All of that work is about to finally be over!



One of the photos Steve and Graham sent really caught my eye.

Who could of imagined this picture 25 years ago!

More to come.

Thanks for looking at our website!

Richard