National Museum of Classic Books

　　The National Museum of Classic Books is a national museum built upon the rich collections of the National Library of China, dedicated to displaying Chinese classics and promoting Chinese culture. It represents a new extension of the social education functions of the National Library. This comprehensive museum integrates the collection, exhibition, research, preservation, public education, cultural heritage, and cultural leisure of classic books. It serves as a center for collecting Chinese classic book artifacts, a hub for showcasing classic book culture, a research center for classic book culture, an exchange center for global classic book cultures, an educational base, and a public cultural leisure center. In the future, it aims to fully integrate museum and library services, establishing itself as an important base for youth education and the dissemination of traditional culture.

　　The National Museum of Classic Books was officially established in July 2012 with the approval of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform. It is the first museum of its kind in China and also one of the largest in the world in terms of area, collection richness, and number of representative exhibits.

　　Located in the South Zone of the National Library of China, Haidian District, Beijing, at No. Zhongguancun South Street, the museum covers a total floor area of 11,549 square meters and features 10 exhibition halls, providing the public with a broader visiting space, better leisure facilities, and an enhanced museum experience.

　　The National Museum of Classic Books opened to the public free of charge in 2014. Its inaugural exhibition systematically displayed the finest collections of the National Library of China, spanning over 3,000 years from oracle bones to contemporary manuscripts. The collection types range from oracle bones, Dunhuang manuscripts, rare ancient books, rubbings of inscriptions and stone carvings, maps, and “Yangshi Lei” architectural drawings to ethnic minority language ancient texts, famous manuscripts, and Western rare books. The exhibition vividly presents the diverse and rich book culture of the Chinese nation as well as the extensive collections of the National Library.

　　

　　Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development