Nanjing Municipal Museum

Introducing Nanjing Municipal Museum
The Nanjing Municipal Museum is situated within the historic Chaotian Palace, a former imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Chaotian Palace, known as “The No.1 Historical Site in Jinling (modern-day Nanjing)”, houses the most extensive and well-preserved Ming-Qing official structures in the Jiangnan region (the area south of the lower Yangtze River). In 1949, the palace was converted into a museum, and in 1978, it was officially renamed as the Nanjing Municipal Museum and opened to public.

The Nanjing Municipal Museum boasts a collection of over 100,000 cultural artifacts, ranging from ancient times to the Republic of China era. These collections, which include the “Nanjing Ape-man Skull Fossil”, “Celadon Underglaze Supernatural Birds and Auspicious Beasts Pot with a Dish-shaped Mouth”, “Epitaphs of the Wang Family and Xie Family”, “Blue-and-white Prunus Vase with the Design of Xiao He Chasing after Han Xin under Moonlight”, “Gold-inlaid Jade Belt with Designs of Clouds and Dragons”, “Amber Cup in the Shape of a Lotus Leaf Pulled by a Fisherman”, and “King Ashoka’s Pagoda Inlaid with Seven Buddhist Treasures”, are celebrated both domestically and internationally for their historical, artistic, and scientific significance.

The Nanjing Municipal Museum hosts various permanent exhibitions, including “Treasures in Nanjing Municipal Museum”, “The Feature of the Six Dynasties”, “Nanjing: The Capital of Ming Dynasty”, “Nanjing: A Home for Royalty”, “Seven Overseas Voyages by Zheng He”, and “Archaeological Achievements in Ten Years”.

The museum and the ancient palace complement each other perfectly. Nanjing’s rich historical and cultural heritage, as the capital of ten dynasties, coupled with its unique geographical position as one of China’s four ancient capitals, makes the museum an ideal place for people to explore Nanjing’s history, comprehend its cultural essence, and admire its ancient treasures.

Nanjing Municipal Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: NánJīngShì BóWùGuǎn 南京市博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History, Exhibitions
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00; Nanjing Municipal Museum is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese statutory holidays.
• Entrance Fee: CNY25
• Address: 4 Chaotiangong Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Nanjing Municipal Museum

Chaotian Palace Complex
The Chaotian Palace, a splendid example of ancient architecture, stands as the most expansive and best-preserved palace complex in the South China. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398), the initiator of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), personally named it, imbuing it with the deep significance of “heaven worship.” The palace complex was originally constructed in 1384 during the Ming Dynasty, and it rose to prominence as the largest and most renowned Taoist Temple in Nanjing. In 1866, during the Qing Dynasty, the Taoist temple was transformed into a Confucian Temple. The Nanjing Municipal Museum was established within the palace in 1978, housing a collection exceeding 100,000 items now.

This palace complex is a treasure trove of historically significant structures, including archways, steles, pavilions and halls, each with its own unique story. A myriad of exquisite details, from the delicately carved woodwork and opulent stone carvings to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns adorning the walls and ceilings, tells a story of the skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating this architectural masterpiece.

History of Chaotian Palace Exhibition
An exhibition named “A Thousand Years of Splendor: The Historical Evolution of Chaotian Palace,” demonstrates the captivating history of this local treasure with three sections: the historical evolution of the palace, its current state and preservation, and the stories, poems, and historical anecdotes associated with it. Additionally, two stone tablets inscribed with the palace’s chronicle will be on display, providing a tangible connection to its vibrant past, making this exhibition a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing the enduring legacy of Chaotian Palace.

History of Nanjing City Development Exhibiton
Divided into distinct sections representing various dynasties, this exhibition serves as a comprehensive timeline, highlighting the pivotal events and remarkable figures that have indelibly shaped Nanjing’s identity over the centuries. From the ancient empires that once flourished within its walls, leaving behind a rich legacy, to the modern era that has witnessed its remarkable transformation, the city’s history is vividly presented before your eyes through a stunning array of over 1,600 carefully selected artifacts spanning different epochs.

Song-Ming Costumes and Accessories Exhibition
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits, to witness the splendor of Song (960-1279) and Ming dynasty fashion. Over 100 rare costumes and accessories, some hidden away for centuries, are brought together in this extraordinary exhibition. Appreciate the exquisite detail of silk garments, the dazzling sparkle of gold and jade jewelry, and the intricate artistry of ornate hairpins. It is remarkable that people at those times had such refined tastes and advanced skills, considering the limitations of their eras.

How to get to Nanjing Municipal Museum
• By Bus: Take bus 48 to Mochoulu Chaotiangong Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Zhangfuyuan Station.