Hangzhou Museum

Hangzhou Museum

Hangzhou Museum is a comprehensive humanities museum that showcases the historical evolution of Hangzhou and its treasured cultural relics. It is one of the most influential museums in Zhejiang Province and a leading institution among Hangzhou’s museums in terms of collections, exhibitions, and cultural activities. Originally opened in October 2001 as the Hangzhou History Museum, after years of development and enrichment, it has become a prominent window into Hangzhou’s history and culture, boasting abundant collections, a convenient location, exquisite exhibitions, and excellent facilities.

Hangzhou Museum is located on Wu Hill within the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou, adjacent to Wushan Square and the historic Hefang Street cultural district. It covers an area of 24,000 square meters, with a building area of 13,000 square meters and an exhibition space of 7,000 square meters. The museum houses a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, jade and stones, seals, coins, stamps, and more. Its prized treasure, a crystal cup from the Warring States period, was included in the first list of 64 (sets) of national treasures prohibited from being exhibited abroad, issued by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2002. The exhibitions are divided into three main sections: “Treasured Hangzhou – Exhibition of the Museum’s Finest Artifacts,” “Most Memorable is Hangzhou – Exhibition of Hangzhou’s History and Culture,” and flexible-use exhibition halls. The “Treasured Hangzhou” series displays selected artifacts unearthed in Hangzhou over the years, immovable cultural heritage sites in the city, fine examples of the museum’s painting and calligraphy collection, exquisite stationery and scholar's objects, and a collection of stamps. The “Most Memorable is Hangzhou” exhibition complements the city’s profound 8,000-year history. Based on historical records, evidence, figures, and events, it follows the timeline of dynasties to narrate the development of Hangzhou. This exhibition is currently undergoing renovation and will reopen to the public during the National Day holiday in 2015.

Since 2012, Hangzhou Museum has welcomed over one million visitors annually. In 2017, it was officially designated as a National First-Class Museum, a Zhejiang Provincial Patriotic Education Base, and a Hangzhou Civilized Model Museum, establishing a strong social influence and earning widespread acclaim from visitors.

Further Reading:

· China’s National First-Class Museums