Former National Gallery of Art

Introducing the Former National Gallery of Art

The former site of the National Art Gallery is located at No. 266, Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province and the predecessor of the current Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum. It was built in 1936. As China's first national art museum, it represents the official beginning of China's art museum industry. In 1960, it was renamed Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum and has been used to this day.

The National Gallery of Art has hosted numerous influential exhibitions, including several national art exhibitions and various large-scale exhibitions of traditional Chinese painting, oil painting, and printmaking. The Second National Art Exhibition of the Ministry of Education, held in 1937, as evidenced by the "Special Collection of the Second National Art Exhibition," preserved in the Nanjing Library, reveals the prominent artistic credentials of the members of the preparatory committee and the jury, the weight of the works by the participating artists, and the sheer scale of the exhibition. No other art exhibition in the 20th century could surpass this. On November 24, 2018, the former site of the National Gallery of Art was selected as one of the "Third Batch of China's 20th Century Architectural Heritage Projects."

The National Art Gallery covers an area of ​​4,700 square meters, with a construction area of ​​7,000 square meters and an exhibition hall area of ​​2,400 square meters. There are 3 large exhibition halls, each of which is 550 square meters with an exhibition line of 160 meters; 4 small exhibition halls, each of which is 170 square meters with an exhibition line of 35 meters; the exhibition line height is 3.3 meters.

Climate and best time to travel

The National Art Gallery has a subtropical monsoon climate. The main building of the gallery is four stories high and has a "mountain"-shaped facade. Its appearance is simple, solemn, elegant and generous. It is in Western style, but some national elements are incorporated into it. It is one of the representatives of the new national architectural style in the architecture of the Republic of China.

All seasons are suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Visit the former site of the National Art Museum of China. As the first national art museum in China, the National Art Museum of China represents the official beginning of China's art museum industry. It not only made outstanding contributions to the prosperity of Jiangsu's art industry, but also laid a solid foundation for the development of the art museum industry in New China.

It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Former National Gallery of Art

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Former National Gallery of Art in Nanjing was once the center of China's fine art scene, housing numerous important exhibitions. It played a significant role in the development of Chinese modern art and has a rich history as a cultural institution.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The gallery is located in central Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is easily accessible via public transport, including Metro Line 1 to "Xinjiekou" station, followed by a short walk or taxi ride to the site.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The gallery is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekdays, particularly mornings, are less crowded and provide a more relaxed experience.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry is typically free, but some special exhibitions may require a ticket. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. No online booking is required for general entry.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not required unless there is a special exhibition or event. It’s best to check the official website for any announcements regarding ticketing for temporary exhibitions.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours are needed to explore the main exhibition halls and appreciate the art collections fully.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The most notable highlights include the gallery's permanent collection of Chinese modern art, as well as special exhibitions showcasing both Chinese and international artists.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are available, but audio guides in English may not be readily offered. You can inquire about the availability of audio guides at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The main exhibition halls and the gallery's scenic gardens offer excellent photography opportunities. The grand staircase inside the building is also a popular spot for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the permanent collection on the ground floor, then move on to the special exhibitions. Don’t forget to spend some time in the peaceful gardens outside the gallery.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available. The gallery typically closes by 5:00 PM, but it is a peaceful location for evening walks in the surrounding area.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The gallery can get crowded on weekends and during national holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are rest areas and toilets inside the gallery. However, there are no on-site food or beverage services, though there are cafes and restaurants nearby.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The gallery is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors with ramps and elevators. Children can enjoy the interactive exhibits, and there are family-friendly facilities available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted for any purchases or donations at the gallery. Cash is also accepted, though cards may not be widely used.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants inside the gallery, but nearby areas such as Xinjiekou have a variety of dining options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Several restaurants in the nearby Xinjiekou area offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in certain restaurants around Nanjing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the Nanjing Yangtze River Hilton, InterContinental Nanjing, and budget options such as Hanting Express.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Museum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, which can easily be combined for a full day of sightseeing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no souvenir shops inside the gallery, but nearby shopping districts like Xinjiekou offer a wide range of souvenirs including local crafts, art prints, and traditional Chinese items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, you can easily continue your trip by taxi, metro (Line 1), or bus to other attractions in the city. Nanjing’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate.