Museums in this context refer to venues that have some functions and features of traditional museums, such as collection, exhibition, and education. In 2023, a total of 27 such museums officially opened in Beijing. With International Museum Day approaching, let's explore these unique museums!
Fuzhou Guild Hall
The Beijing Lin Zexu Anti-Drug Education Base (Fuzhou Guild Hall) was established in 1816 by Lin Zexu and Fujian officials in Beijing as a hometown association. It is now an immovable cultural relic in Xicheng District.
During Lin Zexu's seven years in Beijing (1813-1820), he primarily lived in the Xuanwu Gate south area (Xuannan area), with the Fuzhou Guild Hall serving as a key location for his activities. In 2019, the Beijing municipal government completed the restoration and exhibition of the Fuzhou Guild Hall, opening it to the public as the Beijing Lin Zexu Anti-Drug Education Base.
The Fuzhou Guild Hall features a themed exhibition on the anti-opium hero Lin Zexu. The exhibition is divided into three sections: "A Talented Youth with Lofty Aspirations," "An Illustrious Career in the Bureaucracy," and "The Momentous Destruction of Opium at Humen." These sections respectively showcase Lin Zexu's early life as a scholar, his career as an official, and his pivotal role in the destruction of opium.
Additionally, the hall hosts a special exhibition titled "The Long Road of the Anti-Drug Struggle," which reviews China's anti-drug efforts since modern times and highlights the achievements of the new China's anti-drug initiatives. This exhibit provides scientific explanations of the dangers of drugs, the characteristics of new types of drugs, and focuses on disseminating knowledge and skills for preventing drug harm.
Address: 51 Luomashi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing.
Sound Art Museum
The Sound Art Museum, located in the Songzhuang Art District in China, is dedicated to exploring, collecting, preserving, and disseminating sound art. It is the first museum in the country focused on sound art.
The museum covers an area of 8,200 square meters, with 6,400 square meters of exhibition space. It features a permanent exhibition called "Sound Central", a thematic exhibition hall named "Sound Art Space", a sound archive library called "Ruogu Building", and a "Sound Life Center" which includes various sections such as "Sonic Childhood," a sound therapy experience room, a multifunctional hall, an artist residency center, and a pigeon whistle base. The "Sound Central" permanent exhibition area is organized into six thematic units: "Old Beijing Sound Life," "Natural Soundscapes," "Speech," "Music," "What is Sound," and "Sound and Emotion".
"Sharpening scissors and kitchen knives--" As you enter the "Old Beijing Sound Life" exhibition hall at the Sound Art Museum, the familiar street shouts fill your ears. The sounds of camel bells and clappers, accompanied by illustrations, artifacts, old items, and hundreds of pigeon whistles, present the bustling atmosphere of old Beijing through the seasons.
Address: Northeast corner of the intersection of Luyuan North Street and Xusong Road, Tongzhou District, Beijing.
National Jade Impression Hetian Jade Museum
National Jade Impression Hetian Jade Museum is a specialized museum dedicated to the collection, research, and display of Hetian jade specimens. It aims to promote the appreciation and understanding of traditional Chinese Hetian jade culture. The museum is organized into six main sections, providing a comprehensive interpretation of Hetian jade from multiple perspectives. It also showcases the creation and craftsmanship involved in jade production. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions of master artworks and invites scholars to give academic lectures, offering a thorough exploration of the historical and contemporary significance of Hetian jade.
Address: Xinjiang Building, Erligou Middle Street, Haidian District, Beijing
Banbidian Village Museum of History
The Banbidian Village Museum of History covers an area of 932 square meters and houses 486 items (sets) of exhibits. The museum is divided into four sections: the Preface Hall, the Millennium Ancient Village, the Road to Revival, and the Bright Future. It uses digital sand tables, holographic imaging, curved screen projection, holographic projection, and video screenings to showcase the past, present, and future of each natural village through themes of memory, impression, journey, prosperity, and outlook. The Banbidian Village Museum of History serves as a window to show the history and culture of Banbidian, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the village's history through its exhibitions.
Address: Building 18, Hongsheng Plaza, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Beijing COFCO Coca-Cola Museum
The Beijing COFCO Coca-Cola Museum is located at No.9 Rongjing East Street in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, covering an area of 800 square meters. With over 300 items (sets) in its collection, the museum specializes in Coca-Cola historical souvenirs.
The museum features eight exhibition halls: the Coca-Cola History Area, the Coca-Cola Beijing Area, the Video Playback Area, the Coca-Cola and Olympics Area, the Sustainable Development Area, the Environmental and Live Broadcast Area, the Gift Shop Area, and the COFCO Product Display Area. It is equipped with touch screens and video playback facilities, systematically introducing various museum information and comprehensively showcasing industrial production, processes, architectural landscapes, technological achievements, and industrial heritage.
Address: 9 Rongjing East Street, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.
Translator: DING Hongwei
Reviewer: JIANG Wenyi
