Hubei Provincial Museum
Hubei Sheng
The Hubei Provincial Museum, located in the Wuchang District of Wuhan near East Lake, is one of China's top-tier museums, established in 1953 and relocated to its current site in 1960. It houses a vast collection of over 460,000 cultural relics, including 1,095 first-class artifacts such as the Sword of Goujian and the ancient bronze bells from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. The museum's architecture reflects Chu Dynasty styles, with a new building added in 2021 featuring twelve thematic exhibition halls and a chime bell performance hall. Its collections span bronze ware, lacquer, jade, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, primarily excavated from significant archaeological sites like Panlongcheng and Baoshan. The museum is a vital center for preserving and exhibiting Jingchu civilization artifacts, recognized nationally for its cultural significance. It also offers virtual exhibitions enabling digital access to its treasures. The museum is part of the Donghu Scenic Area and is a key cultural attraction in Hubei Province.
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Tip: Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum in spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Advance ticket booking is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or chime bell performances. Discounts are often available for students and seniors. Utilize the museum's digital exhibition hall and virtual tours for enhanced experiences. Allocate sufficient time to explore both the old and new buildings fully.
Interesting facts
- •The Sword of Goujian is renowned for its remarkable corrosion resistance despite being over 2,000 years old.
- •The museum houses the complete set of 65 bronze bells (Bianzhong) from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, capable of producing multiple musical scales.
- •The Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white 'Four Loves' plum vase is a rare scientifically excavated artifact in the collection.
- •The museum’s collection includes the oldest human skull fossil found in Hubei, dating to the Paleolithic era.
History
The museum's origins trace back to 1928 with the Hubei Provincial Public Scientific Experiment Hall.
It officially became the Hubei Provincial Museum in 1963 after several reorganizations.
The museum expanded with new buildings since 1999 and underwent further development with a major new building completed in 2021.
In 2023, the museum and the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Archaeology separated to operate independently.
Over the decades, it has grown into a national first-class museum, preserving numerous artifacts from the ancient Chu culture and other archaeological sites in Hubei.
Place Guide
Sword of Goujian Exhibition HallSpring and Autumn period (~5th century BC)
This hall displays the legendary Sword of Goujian, a nearly 2,000-year-old weapon famed for its sharpness and rust resistance, symbolizing ancient Chinese craftsmanship and history.
Marquis Yi of Zeng Bell Set HallWarring States period (5th century BC)
Showcases the complete set of 65 bronze bells excavated from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, highlighting ancient Chinese musical technology and artistry.
Chu Culture ExhibitionVarious (approx. 8th century BC to 3rd century BC)
Explores the 800-year history of the Chu state, exhibiting artifacts such as lacquerware, bamboo slips, and bronze vessels that illustrate the region's rich cultural heritage.
New Building Architectural Design2021
The 2021 new museum building features a modern interpretation of Chu Dynasty architecture with an inverted ladder shape and a glass ceiling offering views of Donghu Lake.
Contact
Phone: 027 8679 4127