National Art Museum of China 🇨🇳

As one of China's largest art institutions, the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) in Beijing offers you an enriching look into the nation's artistic heritage and modern creativity. Funded by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this level-1 public welfare institution first opened its doors in 1963 following construction that began in 1958. Spanning a main four-story building with 21 exhibition halls across its first three floors, the venue dedicates itself to displaying, collecting, and researching China's modern and contemporary artistic achievements.

While the museum preserves select pieces of imperial Chinese art, your visit will primarily highlight an expansive range of media. Explore diverse categories in its permanent collection, including traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors, prints, and traditional picture stories. You will also discover unique cultural expressions through Chinese New Year pictures, caricatures, lacquers, porcelains, costumes, and notable Western artworks.

Following significant renovations completed in 2005 that expanded its space, the original 30,000-square-meter footprint continues to showcase extraordinary creativity, with future expansion plans envisioned alongside renowned global architects to massively increase its venue footprint even further.

What to see at National Art Museum of China

• Explore 21 exhibition halls set across three display floors.
• Discover traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, and sculptures.
• View unique cultural items like Chinese New Year pictures and traditional costumes.
• Admire a varied collection featuring both ancient Chinese art and Western works.

Visiting tips

Be sure to focus your visit on the first three floors of the main building where the 21 exhibition halls are located.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

National Art Museum of China is easy to reach on Beijing’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Forbidden City and Summer Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Beijing travel guide.