New York Museum Honors the Legacy of Tiananmen Square 35 Years Later

Published June 3, 2024

The historical narrative of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and its violent repression is brought back to life at a New York City museum. The museum's new exhibit features poignant remnants of the incident, including a blood-stained blouse, a worn tent, and a military medal, each serving as sobering testimony to the crackdown that shook the world 35 years ago.

Relics of Resistance

These artifacts provide a visceral connection to the past, where weeks of peaceful student demonstrations for democracy were met with brutal force. Among the items on display, a particular piece—a mimeograph machine—holds a significant place in the memory of Zhou Fengsuo, who found himself amidst the chaos, fleeing for his life as tanks advanced on protesters gathered in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Preserving History

The museum's exhibition aims not only to commemorate those who stood up for democratic principles but also to educate visitors on the events that transpired in June 1989. Through these relics, the museum seeks to keep the memories alive, paving the way for reflection and understanding of the human struggle for freedom and justice.