China’s Natural History Museum is embarking on a monumental expansion, with its new Beijing venue slated to begin trial operations in October 2029. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the country’s only national and comprehensive natural history museum.
The new site has received government approval and will be situated along the south of Beijing’s central axis. The expansion will dramatically increase the museum’s floor area from the current 23,000 square meters to an impressive 193,800 square meters. This eightfold increase aims to accommodate a projected 5 to 7 million visitors annually, a substantial rise from the 1.8 million visitors it currently welcomes each year.
Booking tickets has often been a challenge, especially during the summer holidays, due to the museum’s limited capacity. The new, spacious venue will alleviate this issue, making it easier for enthusiasts and tourists to explore China’s rich natural heritage.
Beyond just a larger space, the museum plans to enhance its role in science education. The new venue will host a diverse array of educational activities designed to spark interest in the natural sciences among children and young students. By conserving, researching, collecting, interpreting, and exhibiting natural objects and heritage of historical, scientific, and artistic value, the museum continues its mission to inspire the next generation.
The construction of the new site is expected to take about five years. Once completed, it will stand as a beacon of knowledge and a hub for cultural enrichment in Beijing, providing unparalleled access to natural history treasures for people from all walks of life.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
