The University of Alberta Museums presents the inaugural exhibition, Dressed to Rule: 18th Century Court Attire in the Mactaggart Art Collection, an exploration of the design and symbolism of 18th Century Chinese imperial costume.

The Mactaggart Art Collection comprises more than 700 rare works of art including textiles, paintings, hand scrolls, and other artefacts from ancient and modern East Asia. The exhibit enhances our knowledge of East Asian culture, influencing students and scholars world-wide.

The collection, assembled by Cecile and Sandy Mactaggart, was donated to the U of A in 2005. The collection includes 92 pieces of Chinese art dating back as far as the 13th century, 641 Asian artefacts including textiles and costumes, and a world-class collection of Tibetan costumes. The collection is now part of the U of A Museums.

The exhibit runs October 24 to December 15, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on the main floor of the Telus Centre (87 Avenue and 111 Street).

This is the first showing in the new exhibition and research space.

"With Gallery A and its accompanying facilities, we are turning the museum inside-out by providing access to both the front-of-house as well as back-of-house research facilities," said Janine Andrews, executive director of Museums and Collections Services. Dressed to Rule features behind-the-scenes tours Wednesdays through Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to book a tour, contact Museums and Collections Services at 492.5834 or museums@ualberta.ca or visit www.museums.ualberta.ca