An unforgettable night of global melodies at the Palace Museum in 2001

A first for the Palace Museum: Hosting a world-class concert

On June 23, 2001, three legendary tenors – Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), Plácido Domingo and José Carreras – lit up the summer night sky with a concert held between the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) and the Gate of Correct Deportment (Duan Men) of the Palace Museum. The event celebrated International Olympic Day and expressed the city's hope for a successful bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

Their voices echoed across centuries of history, blending imperial grandeur with the power of global music. That night, the Forbidden City wasn't just a cultural landmark of China — it became a stage where East met West in perfect harmony.