The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is presenting "A Heavenly Gathering: Immortal and Buddha Combinations in Art", featuring familiar groups such as the Eight Immortals and the Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity. Admission is free all day on September 27 for World Tourism Day, while eligible visitors can enter free with proof of eligibility on September 28 for Teachers' Day.

The exhibition looks at how familiar immortal and Buddha figures developed over time rather than appearing in their present forms from the beginning. Through artworks from different periods, visitors can explore changing beliefs and imaginations and see how these figures gradually became the groups known today.

The Eight Immortals and the Three Star Gods are key themes, with works showing how their images and groupings evolved. Ming dynasty lacquerware incorporates the Three Star Gods into auspicious motifs, while Qing dynasty ivory carvings depict the Eight Immortals crossing the sea.

Other works feature the Hehe Immortals, the Eighteen Arhats and the Seven Buddhas of the Past. Bamboo carvings, painted porcelain and jade present these figures through different media, while also reflecting people's wishes for harmony, fortune, longevity and auspiciousness.

The first exhibition period runs from September 8 to December 6, followed by the second from December 8, 2026 to March 7, 2027. Both periods are held at the Southern Branch. The museum is open daily during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from September 25 to 28, allowing visitors to plan their trips around the exhibition periods.