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Visit the Poly Art Museum to explore Chinese art and culture. The museum showcases exquisite collections of ancient and modern Chinese art, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jade pieces. It's a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in Chinese heritage.
The Poly Art Museum, located southwest of the Dongsishitiao Interchange in Beijing, is my country's first art museum established by a major state-owned enterprise. Its collection primarily consists of over 100 bronzes, along with stone carvings, calligraphy and paintings, many of which are world-renowned treasures. Its most notable treasure is the four animal heads of the Old Summer Palace: tiger, goat, monkey, and pig. The collection consists of two main sections: bronzes and stone carvings. The vast majority of the exhibits were salvaged from overseas by the Poly Group, and many are considered exquisite, rare, or unique pieces, possessing high historical and artistic value.
The lighting in the bronze exhibition hall is excellent, allowing for clear details of the patterns and inscriptions, and the exhibits all appear quite substantial. The Buddhist sculpture exhibition hall features pieces primarily from the Northern Dynasties and the early Tang Dynasty. The statues' facial features, hairstyles, and clothing fully reflect the Sinicization of Buddhism. The embellishment of apsaras and powerful warriors, as well as the colorful paintings and gilded decorations, are also notable artistic features.
North temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
Free admission, bronze art masterpieces require a 20 yuan ticket
9:30-16:30, closed on Mondays
The Poly Art Museum is one of Beijing's premier art institutions, housing a collection of Chinese art spanning thousands of years. It plays a significant role in preserving and showcasing traditional Chinese culture, and serves as a hub for both ancient and contemporary art exhibitions.
The Poly Art Museum is located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, close to the Poly Plaza. It can be accessed via taxi, or by taking Metro Line 10 and getting off at the Tuanjiehu Station, which is within walking distance.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the museum's entrance, or through the museum’s official website for online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during busy periods such as holidays or weekends, typically 1-2 days ahead to secure your spot.
To fully explore the Poly Art Museum, allocate about 2-3 hours. This will allow time to view the art collections, read the informative exhibits, and enjoy the cultural atmosphere.
The must-see highlights include the ancient Chinese ceramics collection, jade artifacts, and classical Chinese paintings. Be sure to also visit the special exhibition halls, which host rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in English and Chinese are also offered to enhance your experience.
The best photography spots include the main exhibition hall, where you can capture the elegant sculptures and historical artwork, as well as the outdoor garden area that offers a serene backdrop for photos.
Start by exploring the ancient art sections to appreciate the historical pieces, then move to the contemporary art exhibitions. Finish your visit by enjoying the temporary exhibitions and taking a walk around the museum's garden.
The museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, they do have special exhibitions that change throughout the year, providing new experiences for repeat visitors.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The museum provides toilets, rest areas, and a small gift shop. There is no large food court inside, but there are cafes nearby where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
The Poly Art Museum is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, with ramps and elevators available for ease of movement within the building.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, as well as credit and debit cards. It's advisable to carry cash for small purchases.
Inside the museum, there are no cafes, but nearby areas such as Chaoyang District and Sanlitun offer a wide range of dining options from Chinese to international cuisines.
Yes, there are several vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options in the nearby areas like Sanlitun, where you can find diverse restaurants catering to various dietary preferences.
Hotels near the Poly Art Museum include the Beijing Marriott Hotel, Raffles Beijing Hotel, and Hilton Beijing. These are all within a short drive or metro ride from the museum.
Nearby attractions include the National Art Museum of China, the Temple of Heaven, and the 798 Art Zone. These can be easily combined into a day trip.
There is a small gift shop inside the museum where you can buy art-related souvenirs such as prints, postcards, and traditional Chinese art pieces like calligraphy brushes and jade sculptures.
After visiting the Poly Art Museum, you can take a taxi, the subway (Line 10 from Tuanjiehu Station), or buses that are easily available nearby to continue your journey to other parts of Beijing.
