Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum

Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum

Destination Introduction

Near the classic Beijing Grand View Garden lies a quiet and unique museum — the Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum, which is also one of the first privately-run museums in Beijing. It officially opened on June 15, 1997. The museum is located at No. 12, Nancaiyuan West Street, Xuanwu District, Beijing.

The Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum is a thematic museum dedicated to pottery culture. Pottery is the herald of human civilization and the origin of human art, often hailed as the "art of the five elements." It also represents the pinnacle of beauty and wisdom achieved by the Chinese nation. The museum's collection includes over 00 pieces of painted pottery from the Neolithic Age and pottery artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, over 300 roof tiles from the Warring States and Qin-Han periods, and more than 1,000 clay seals from the Qin and Han dynasties — totaling around 2,000 ancient pottery items across these three major series, along with related artifacts, forming an almost complete and vivid history of ancient pottery civilization.

In addition to exhibitions, the museum is committed to exploring the potential charm and practical value of its collections, including designing and producing a variety of travel souvenirs such as curtains, fabric bags, rubbings, and screen-printed items.

Many of the museum’s items are rare and unique, with the Qin dynasty clay seal collection regarded as the earliest equivalent of a “List of Officials” and “Geography Records” of a unified Chinese feudal dynasty, serving as the foundational archives of China’s political system through the ages. The permanent exhibition of the Beijing Ancient Pottery Civilization Museum consists of nearly 600 artifacts displayed across four sections: “Treasury of Painted Pottery,” “Grand View of Roof Tiles,” “Echoes of Clay Seals,” and “Series of Ancient Pottery.” Alongside the relics, various artworks by Lu Dongzhi in multiple artistic styles are also exhibited. This rich and systematic collection of pottery creates a small museum with a strong academic atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit

Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Transportation Information

Transportation: Take bus routes 19, 59, 61, 351, 819, or 122 and get off at the Grand View Garden stop.

Address: No. 12, Xicheng West Street, You’anmennei, Beijing

Type: Museum

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Phone: 010-63538811

Opening Hours:

10:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and national public holidays)

Ticket Information: