The "Olympic Fine Arts 2008" exhibition, a grand art event in the history of the Olympic Games, opened in Beijing on Monday, August 11, 2008.

IOC President Jacques Rogge gives a speech (Photo credit: Li Wei)

Hosted by the IOC and supported by the Ministry of Culture of China and BOCOG, the exhibition is a major component of the concept of the "People's Olympics" and a key task of the ministry.

A visitor takes photos of an artwork displayed at the China  International Exhibition Center in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 11,  2008. The Olympic Fine Arts 2008, held by the International Olympic  Committee (IOC), opened in Beijing Monday, displaying more than 800  works selected from about 10,000 works of more than 40 countries and  regions. (Xinhua Photo)

Themed "China and the World" with the slogan "The arts complete the spirit of the Olympic Games," the exhibition displays a total of 800 pieces selected from about 10,000 works of more than 40 countries and regions. It aims to represent Chinese arts and seeks to symbolize the joining of the world's cultures in the Olympics.