Nanjing Paleontological Museum

Nanjing Paleontological Museum

The Nanjing Paleontological Museum is located at No. 39 Beijing East Road, Xuanwu District. It is affiliated with the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the People's Government of Jiangsu Province. With a total construction area of 8,500 square meters, including an exhibition area of nearly 4,200 square meters, it is a modern museum that combines exhibitions, collections, research, and education. It serves as an important hub for science popularization and education in natural sciences, characterized by scientific accuracy, knowledge, visual appeal, and entertainment.

The museum focuses on paleontological fossils, primarily showcasing ancient invertebrates, ancient plants, and microfossils. It is one of the largest specialized paleontological museums in the world. Boasting a rich collection and exquisite exhibits, the museum is especially known for the “Chengjiang Biota” and the “Jehol Biota” fossil specimens—including the “Sinosauropteryx”—which are considered national treasure-level fossil masterpieces.

The museum’s exhibitions tell the story of the history of Earth and life evolution. The content includes a main theme exhibition titled “The Evolution of Life” and fourteen special thematic exhibitions. The main exhibition is structured around the Hall, Path to the Mountains, Mysteries of Fossils, Origin of the Earth, Precambrian, Paleozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, and Cenozoic Era. The special exhibitions cover the Chengjiang Biota, Dinosaur World, Microscopic World, Terrestrial Life, Grand Gallery of Invertebrate Fossils, Permian Mass Extinction, Ancient Botanical Garden, Sea Lily Fossil Wall, Jehol Biota, Origins and Evolution of Birds, Oceans of the Dinosaur Era, Nanjing Geological History, Nanjing Erectus, and “Where Do I Come From?”.

These exhibitions feature a wealth of rare specimens, stunning images, lifelike models, restored landscapes, and make use of multimedia and other modern technologies to fully showcase the mysteries of fossils and the diversity of ancient life. They vividly recreate the history of biological evolution and its co-evolution with the environment, highlight major events in the evolutionary process, demonstrate significant discoveries and research achievements in Chinese paleontology, and inspire and enhance public interest and understanding of natural history. The entire exhibition is captivating, lively, and educational.