Billed as the largest thematic exhibition on ancient American civilizations ever staged, the landmark show has recently opened in Shanghai, China. It brings together nearly 3,000 precious artifacts from Mexico, Peru, and other countries, making it the largest, most authoritative, most comprehensive, and most up-to-date exhibition of ancient American civilizations ever assembled.

The first exhibit to greet visitors is the show's heaviest artifact—the 4.5-ton Olmec Colossal Head No. 4. It served as a symbol of authority in the Olmec civilization, the earliest known civilization in the ancient Americas.

Covering the period from 1200 BC to the 16th century AD, the exhibition showcases all the major ancient civilizations of Central and South America, including the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Aztec, and Andean cultures. Notably, signature artifacts from 13 museums across Mexico are being exhibited together in Shanghai for the first time. Co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum, the relevant authorities of the United Mexican States, and the Republic of Peru, the exhibition will remain on view through 14 November 2027.