Guangdong Museum
Guangdong Sheng
Guangdong Museum is a comprehensive institution located in Guangzhou, dedicated to the art, culture, history, and natural heritage of Guangdong province as well as broader Chinese art. The museum relocated in 2010 to a striking new building in Zhujiang New Town, designed to resemble a traditional Cantonese ivory puzzle ball, featuring multiple transparent layers and a spiral staircase connecting exhibition floors. Its permanent exhibitions include historical artifacts, vernacular art, and natural history, alongside frequently updated temporary exhibitions that bring foreign and exotic artworks to the public. The museum also incorporates a large atrium and corridors that serve as rest areas, while administrative offices occupy the top floor. The museum's collections include exquisite examples of Chaozhou wood carving and Shiwan ceramic figures, reflecting Guangdong's rich artistic traditions. The new facility spans over 66,000 square meters with extensive viewing areas and a public grass slope surrounding the building, marking it as a cultural centerpiece in Guangzhou's urban development plan. Its blend of modern architectural innovation and traditional cultural motifs makes it a unique destination for visitors interested in the heritage and contemporary culture of southern China.
Plan your trip to China, People's Republic of with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The museum is free to enter but requires timed, real-name reservations in advance, which can be made via their official ticketing app. Visiting during weekdays or early in the day is recommended to avoid crowds. The museum offers free guided tours at scheduled times, enhancing the visitor experience. Check the official website for current exhibitions and special events before your visit. The museum closes entry at 16:00 and closes at 17:00, so plan accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's architecture is inspired by the traditional Cantonese ivory puzzle ball, a complex carved ivory art piece with multiple concentric layers.
- •The original museum site included the Lu Xun Memorial Hall, dedicated to the influential writer and intellectual who contributed to Chinese modernization.
- •The new museum building covers nearly 67,000 square meters with a large public grass slope surrounding it, integrating green space with cultural facilities.
- •The museum features distinct exhibitions on Chaozhou wood carving and Shiwan ceramic figures, highlighting regional art forms.
- •The museum is part of a cultural cluster in Zhujiang New Town that includes the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong Library.
History
The original Guangdong Provincial Museum was founded in 1959 in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, occupying the former site of Sun Yat-sen University.
It housed significant collections including the relics of the Kuomintang's First National Congress and a memorial to Lu Xun.
In 2003, as part of a master plan to develop Zhujiang New Town as Guangzhou's new cultural center, plans were made to relocate the museum.
The new Guangdong Museum building opened in 2010, featuring modern architecture inspired by traditional Cantonese ivory puzzle balls.
The relocation marked a significant expansion in exhibition space and facilities, positioning the museum as a major cultural landmark in the city.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Halls
The museum's primary exhibition areas showcase Guangdong's historical artifacts, vernacular art, and natural history collections, providing a comprehensive overview of the province's cultural and natural heritage.
Spiral Staircase and Atrium2010
A central spiral staircase connects the museum's floors, surrounded by a four-story atrium with transparent glass and iron curtains, allowing visitors to view the spatial layering inspired by the ivory puzzle ball design.
Temporary Exhibition Spaces
These areas frequently update to display foreign artworks and exotic treasures, offering visitors a dynamic and diverse cultural experience beyond the permanent collections.
Contact
Phone: 020 3804 6886
