National Museum of China

National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is a classic red tourism destination and a patriotic education base.

The National Museum of China was officially established on February 28, 2003, and is directly under the Ministry of Culture. Built upon the foundations of the former Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, it is a comprehensive museum primarily focused on history and art, systematically showcasing the long and rich cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

The predecessor of the Museum of Chinese History was the “Preparatory Office of the National Museum of History,” established on July 9, 1912. On October 1, 1949, the day the People’s Republic of China was founded, it was renamed the “National Beijing Museum of History” and came under the administration of the Ministry of Culture of the Central People’s Government. In 1959, it was renamed the “Museum of Chinese History.”

The predecessor of the Museum of the Chinese Revolution was the “Preparatory Office of the National Museum of the Revolution,” established in March 1950. It was officially named the “Museum of the Chinese Revolution” in 1960.

In August 1959, the buildings housing both museums were completed on the east side of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. On October 1 of the same year, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, they began receiving visitors.

The National Museum of China officially began its renovation and expansion project in 2004, with completion planned for the end of 2007. After the renovation, the museum’s floor space will increase from the current 65,000 square meters to 150,000 square meters. All facilities will be further improved, upgraded, and modernized. Whether in terms of collections, exhibition scale, hardware infrastructure, or staffing, the museum will reach a level befitting its status. The National Museum of China will be developed into an internationally advanced museum that matches the long and splendid civilization of the Chinese nation.

The National Museum of China integrates artifact collection, archaeology, conservation, research, and exhibitions. It systematically collects precious cultural relics reflecting ancient, modern, and contemporary Chinese history. Through permanent basic exhibitions and various thematic displays, it comprehensively showcases and promotes the great historical journey and splendid culture of the Chinese nation to domestic and international audiences, while also introducing world civilizations and outstanding cultures. Through high-level research in history, archaeology, cultural relics studies, and museology, the museum continuously enriches and deepens public understanding and awareness of history and culture, promoting the development of the museum sector. The National Museum will also become an important venue in the capital’s city center where the public can enjoy high-quality cultural experiences.

Opening Hours:

9:00—17:00

(Ticket sales stop at 15:30, entry stops at 16:00, visitors exit by 16:30, closing at 17:00)

Closed on Mondays (including national statutory holidays)

Free admission is available at our museum (excluding special exhibitions). You may book in advance and exchange for a free admission ticket on the day of your visit, or you may queue for a free ticket on-site with valid ID on the day of your visit.

Our museum advocates an “appointment first, then visit” approach for orderly entry. All visitors who successfully book in advance will be guaranteed a free admission ticket for the day. After exchanging the ticket at the ticket center on the south side of the west entrance, you may enter the museum quickly through the west gate.

Advance booking includes methods such as mobile text message booking, online booking, and phone booking (phone booking is only available for groups of 20 or more). On the day of your visit, you may exchange for a free admission ticket at the ticket center on the south side of the west entrance with valid ID, and enter through the west gate to view all free exhibitions.

If you are unable to book in advance, you may present your valid ID for security screening and enter through the west gate to view all free exhibitions on the day of your visit.

For individual paid special exhibitions, information will be noted at the ticket center, the service desk in the west lobby, and on the exhibition introduction page on the website, and tickets will be sold at the entrance of the relevant exhibition hall.

Valid IDs: second-generation ID card, non-paper temporary ID, senior citizen card, household registration book, household registration certificate, social security card, student ID for primary and secondary school students, disability certificate, military officer ID, soldier ID, passport, Hong Kong/Macau pass, Taiwan compatriot permit, driver’s license

Children visiting: Children 1.3 meters and under accompanied by a parent may enter free of charge. Elementary school students accompanied by a parent may enter free of charge with their student ID (the parent must have a ticket; elementary school groups of 20 or more must book by phone in advance)

Further reading:

· National First-Class Museum of China