Capital Museum

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Spot Introduction

The Capital Museum is the largest comprehensive museum in Beijing, covering a construction area of 63,390 square meters and dedicated to showcasing Beijing’s history and culture. The museum boasts a vast collection of precious cultural relics, comprehensively displaying Beijing’s long history and culture through modern exhibition techniques.

Founded in 1953 and relocated to its current site in 2006, the Capital Museum was designed by renowned architect Cui Kai, blending traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design concepts. The exterior incorporates bronze, wood, and other traditional materials, while the interior space is cleverly designed, embodying the “people-oriented” museum philosophy.

Permanent exhibitions include “Ancient Capital Beijing: Historical and Cultural Chapter” and “Old Stories of the Capital: Traditional Beijing Folk Customs Exhibition,” comprehensively presenting Beijing’s historical transformation from prehistoric times to modern times. Among them, the “Ancient Capital Beijing” exhibition hall vividly reproduces Beijing’s historical style as a capital city through numerous archaeological discoveries and historical artifacts. Particularly noteworthy are the museum’s collections of Yuan Dynasty blue and white porcelain, Ming Dynasty court artifacts, and Qing Dynasty calligraphy and painting works, all of which are rare treasures.

As a national first-level museum, the Capital Museum serves not only as a venue for collecting and displaying cultural relics but also as an essential platform for cultural exchange and academic research. The museum regularly hosts various special exhibitions such as the “Forbidden City Cultural Relics Exhibition” and the “Silk Road Cultural Relics Exhibition,” providing visitors with a rich cultural feast. Additionally, the museum features a digital interactive zone where visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of history and culture through modern technological means like VR and AR.

Attractions Introduction

In recent years, the Capital Museum has actively promoted the construction of a smart museum, developing digital services such as online exhibitions and virtual tours. The museum also regularly holds public education activities such as cultural lectures and cultural relic restoration demonstrations, allowing more people to deeply understand Beijing’s history and culture. As a cultural landmark of Beijing, the Capital Museum is not only an important window for tourists to understand Beijing but also an ideal place for citizens’ cultural and leisure activities.

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. Ancient Capital Beijing Exhibition Hall

    • History of Beijing’s city development
    • Display of historical artifacts
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  2. Beijing Culture Exhibition Hall

    • Traditional culture of Beijing
    • Display of folk art
    • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes

  3. Special Exhibition Area

    • Temporary theme exhibitions
    • International cultural exchange
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  4. Digital Interaction Zone

    • Multimedia display
    • Technological interactive experience
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • First-floor lobby → Ancient Capital Beijing Exhibition Hall → Beijing Culture Exhibition Hall → Special Exhibition Area → Digital Interaction Zone
    • It is suggested to visit in the order of exhibition halls.

  2. Visiting Time Arrangement

    • It is recommended to visit in the morning.
    • Avoid peak holidays.
    • Check special exhibitions ahead of time.

  3. Practical Tips

    • Make an online reservation ahead of time.
    • It is suggested to rent a commentator.
    • You can participate in timed tours.

Transportation Guide

  • Subway: Muxidi Station on Line 1
  • Bus: Multiple lines including 1, 4, 52, 728
  • Self-drive: Underground parking available
  • Taxi: Easy to hail a taxi in the city area
  1. Fuxingmen Food Street
  2. Muxidi Snacks
  3. Traditional time-honored brands
  4. Modern restaurants

Special Reminders

  1. Make an online reservation ahead of time.
  2. Do not touch cultural relics.
  3. Do not use flash photography.
  4. Maintain quiet during the visit.
  5. Obey exhibition hall rules.
  6. Suitable for cultural tours.
  7. Bring ID documents.
  8. Free bag storage available.