Nanjing Museum

Introducing Nanjing Museum
Nanjing Museum is a prominent cultural institution in Nanjing, and one of China’s top three museums. Nanjing Museum was established in 1933 and it spans an impressive 130,000 square meters (32 acres) and houses a vast collection of over 430,000 artifacts, including ancient pottery, jade, textiles, and calligraphy. The museum is renowned for its galleries that cover the region’s extensive history, from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), and rotating special exhibitions, ensuring a fresh and engaging visit each time.

Designed by Liang Sicheng (1901-1972), often known as “the father of modern Chinese architecture,” the museum’s main building demonstrates his philosophy of blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with Western architectural principles. Its front section embodies classic Chinese architecture, featuring a grand entranceway, intricate wooden latticework, and a sweeping roof adorned with golden tiles. This section seamlessly transitions into a more modern rear wing, characterized by clean lines and a flat roof illuminated by natural light that reflects a Western influence. This harmonious fusion is characteristic of Liang’s work and reflects the museum’s own balance of past and present.

More than just a museum, Nanjing Museum serves as an educational hub, offering programs that bring Nanjing’s rich history and art to life for visitors of all ages. A visit to this cultural gem leaves a lasting impression of Nanjing’s rich artistic and historical legacy.

Nanjing Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Nánjīng Bó Wù Yuàn 南京博物院
• 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 – 16:00; Nanjing Museum is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese statutory holidays.
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 321 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Nanjing Museum

Gallery of History
The Gallery of History’s centerpiece exhibition, “Ancient Civilization in Jiangsu,” highlights the economic prosperity and cultural achievements of Jiangsu Province. This fascinating collection of artifacts and relics showcases the artistry, innovation, and traditions that have shaped this remarkable region. Each piece offers a tangible connection to the past, transporting visitors to an era of emperors, artisans, merchants, and scholars, where the legacy of ancient Jiangsu comes to life.

Gallery of Temporary Exhibitions
The Gallery of Temporary Exhibitions is a dynamic space where world-class exhibitions are constantly rotating, offering an ever-changing tapestry of art and culture. Here, you’ll encounter a fascinating mix of international collaborations and exhibitions curated from the museum’s own impressive collection. Imagine marveling at ancient treasures from Greece in a special exhibition on Hellenic civilization one month, then finding yourself captivated by the poetic brushstrokes and calligraphy of Su Shi (1037-1101), a renowned Song Dynasty (960-1279) artist, the next. The possibilities are endless, be sure to check the museum’s website for the latest offerings.

Gallery of Art
The Gallery of Art organizes its collection of relics according to the categories of the artworks, including paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures. The painting exhibition showcases works from various artists, spanning distinctive artistic styles from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. The calligraphy exhibition explores the essence of Chinese calligraphy, highlighting its historical evolution, various styles, and the profound cultural significance it holds in Chinese art and literature. Meanwhile, the sculpture exhibition encompasses archaeological discoveries and inherited collections, offering a diverse display of sculptures.

Digital Gallery
The Digital Gallery is a captivating blend of physical and virtual exhibition spaces. The physical exhibition spans approximately 1,200 square meters and uses multimedia to showcase the evolution of Chinese civilization. Visitors can engage with interactive displays, projected timelines, and audiovisual presentations that bring history to life. Complementing this, the virtual exhibition features user-generated content, allowing individuals to contribute their own interpretations of Chinese culture. This dynamic interaction between curated exhibits and public contributions highlights the rapid evolution and continuous reinterpretation of China’s rich heritage in the digital age.

Gallery of the Republican Period
Located on the east side of the Gallery of Art, the Gallery of the Republican Period brings to life the unique character of Nanjing as the capital during that era. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a meticulously recreated streetscape, complete with European-style architecture reminiscent of the period. But it’s more than just a visual spectacle. The street is lined with functional establishments like a post office, train station, barbershop, traditional Chinese medicine shop, bookstore, and silversmith. Staff in period attire enhance the authenticity, allowing you to mail letters, have prescriptions filled, browse books and silver ornaments, and even purchase local pastries and gramophone replicas as souvenirs.

Gallery of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible cultural heritage encompasses the traditions, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations within communities. This gallery celebrates this living heritage, focusing on elements such as folklore, traditional music, dance, drama, acrobatics, fine arts, crafts, medicine, sports, games, and customs. Visitors can witness live demonstrations of traditional fine arts and crafts throughout the day, with specific schedules available on screen guides and the museum website.

How to get to Nanjing Museum
• By Bus: Take bus 3, 34, 36, 55 to Zhongshanmen Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 2 to Minggugong Station.