Poly Art Museum

Poly Art Museum

The Poly Art Museum was established in December 1999 as the first museum founded by a major state-owned enterprise on the Chinese mainland. Its mission is to promote traditional Chinese culture and art, as well as to rescue and protect national treasures scattered overseas. The museum consists of two main sections: bronze ware and stone carvings. Most of the exhibits were rescued from overseas, and some are considered masterpieces, unique or one-of-a-kind, boasting extremely high historical and artistic value. Among them, the “Exhibition of Fine Ancient Chinese Bronze Art” displays over 100 pieces (sets) of exquisite bronzeware, reflecting the development and unique charm of ancient Chinese bronze civilization. Meanwhile, the “Exhibition of Fine Ancient Chinese Stone Carving Statues” features more than 40 outstanding stone carvings, showcasing the splendor of Chinese Buddhist art. The Poly Art Museum has been acclaimed as “one of the most modern museums on the Chinese mainland” and has joined the ranks of China’s renowned museums.

Three bronze animal heads—ox, monkey, and tiger—from the Old Summer Palace, looted by foreign powers over 100 years ago, were rescued and returned to China by the Poly Group. This act ignited patriotic fervor among Chinese people both at home and abroad and garnered widespread acclaim. After their return, the national treasures toured more than ten major cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, bringing immense prestige to the Poly Group and the Poly Museum.

The Poly Art Museum maintains rigorous standards in artifact acquisition and has developed a systematic method for collecting cultural relics. With the Poly Group’s strong reputation both domestically and internationally, artifacts can be brought to Beijing before payment. Experts then conduct individual and independent appraisals, providing opinions and issuing authentication certificates. Only after experts unanimously confirm the authenticity of the artifacts are prices negotiated with the sellers and payments made. This acquisition method ensures the authenticity and reliability of the museum’s collections.

Address: Floors 9 & 10, New Poly Plaza, No. 1 Chaoyangmen North Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Type: Museum

Recommended visiting time: 40–50 minutes

Phone: 010-65008117

Official website: http://www.polyartmuseum.com/

Opening hours:

9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)

Ticket information:

Free admission. Star calligraphy and painting exhibitions are free; admission to the fine bronze art exhibition is ¥20.

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development