The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum's Caisson Ceilings

The Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, located on Yongdingmen Street in Xicheng District, Beijing, is China's first professional museum dedicated to ancient architecture. It houses a rich collection of architectural components and artworks from palaces, temples, gardens, and other structures. Among the most captivating features are the caisson ceilings!
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🌿 What are Caisson Ceilings?
Caisson ceilings are special decorative structures found on the ceilings of buildings, commonly seen in palaces and temples. The caisson ceilings here are also known as "Celestial Chart Caissons." Centered around the Polaris and the Big Dipper, they symbolize the emperor's divine mandate and authority. Through exquisite painting, carving, or inlay work, they mimic the stars and constellations, bringing the vast night sky into the caisson, imbuing the space with a sense of mystery and ritual.

🔹 Highlights of the Museum's Caisson Ceilings
🎭 Wood-carved Caissons: Classic designs of palace architecture, featuring meticulous carving and resplendent gold and jade.
🪵 Brick-carved Caissons: Representative of temple architecture, presenting a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
🎨 Painted Caissons: Gorgeous colors of blue, green, and gold interwoven with auspicious patterns such as dragons, phoenixes, and auspicious clouds, creating an explosion of artistic expression!
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🏯 Recommended Visiting Method
📍 Main Exhibition Hall —— Admire the complete caisson designs and their historical background.
📐 Architectural Model Area —— Scaled-down displays reveal the design secrets of caisson ceilings.
📽️ Interactive Exhibition Area —— Digital visual presentations offer an immersive experience of traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics!
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🗓️ Visiting Information
🕘 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:30 (last entry at 16:00), closed on Mondays (except for public holidays)
📍 Address: 21 Yongdingmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
🎫 Tickets: Reference price 15 RMB (please check official information for confirmation)
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✨ If you appreciate ancient Chinese architecture and art, come and take a look!