Beijing BAGONG Museum

　　   Bagongfang can be called the No.1 workshop in Beijing. Once fully completed, it will cover a total area of 42,000 square meters, encompassing nearly 100 artistic categories and housing works by over a hundred craft masters who have established distinctive workshops and master studios here. The museum’s exhibits are divided into a core main exhibition area, a comprehensive display area, as well as facilities such as an audiovisual education zone, academic exchange and seminar area, appraisal zone, and comprehensive service area. The first phase of the project was opened to the public at the end of 2003, and has since received tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors, hosting various activities such as academic seminars, collection auctions, master lectures, gemstone appraisals, and design competitions.

　　   In March 2005, Beijing Bagongfang was officially approved by relevant authorities as a museum — the BAGONG Museum, which also became Beijing’s first “living” museum. Unlike other museums, visitors here can not only admire various folk handicrafts and learn about the development history of craftsmanship across different categories, but can also interact closely with over a hundred folk craft masters from all over the country, joining them in creation and discussion. The BAGONG Museum was jointly initiated and supported by the municipal and Chongwen District governments of Beijing, and built in collaboration with the Beijing Arts and Crafts Industry Association.

　　   The association worked together with craft and art industry associations from eight provinces and cities including Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Shaanxi to establish the museum. The overall construction area of the BAGONG Museum is 42,000 square meters, covering more than 200 types of crafts and skills, and capable of housing over 17,000 pieces of master works. The currently operational first phase includes more than 30 distinctive craft workshops and 100 master studios, featuring varieties such as cloisonné, jade carving, and ivory carving, known as the “Eight Treasures of Yanjing.” All masters entering the BAGONG Museum are required to take on an apprentice, thereby ensuring the inheritance and innovation of these crafts.

　　   Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development