The first ever exhibit of Tibet cultural artifacts in the United States is to be unveiled Sunday at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in southern California, offering a rare opportunity for Americans to learn about the long history and cultural richness of the "Roof of the World," the museum announced Thursday.

The landmark exhibit, "Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World," is to feature about 200 of the finest examples of Tibetan sculptures, paintings, textiles and ritual Buddhist objects from the most important cultural institutions in Tibet, according to Rick Weinberg, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Bowers Museum.

"This is the first opportunity for the public, including the large Buddhist population and Asian art enthusiasts in the United States, to experience these historic and religious treasures from one of the most mysterious and guarded world cultures," Weinberg said.

The exhibit, secured by an agreement signed by the Bowers Museum and Cultural Administration of Tibet Autonomous Region of China, marks the first time that art from the Potala Palace is unveiled in the Western World.

Anne Shih, member of the Board of Governors of the Bowers Museum, said she had made six trips to China in order to bring the exhibit to the United States.

Speaking at a news conference at the museum, Nyima Tsering, Vice Chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, gave a brief introduction of Tibet, its history and recent development, as well as its readiness to promote cultural and other exchanges with the Western World.

Tsering highly praised the central government of the People's Republic of China for its support and aid in excavating sites of historical relics and the protection of Tibetan religion and culture.

He expressed the hope that such exhibit will contribute to further boosting mutual understanding, friendship and cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

Located in Santa Ana of the Orange County, the Bowers Museum is one of the finest museums in California renowned for its dedication to the preservation, study and exhibition of fine arts from around the world.

The exhibit will be held in Bowers Museum from Oct. 12 to May 16, 2004, and it will be shifted to other major cities including San Francisco of California, New York City, and Houston of Texas.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2003)