This summer, many museums in Beijing are offering extended hours and hosting a wide variety of evening activities. Check these out!
Natural History Museum of China
The façade of the Natural History Museum of China is illuminated at night.
[Photo via the official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism]
From July 6 to August 31, the museum closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. Its "Night at the Museum" (博物馆之夜) campaign will run until August 15, open daily from 18:00 to 21:00 (except Tuesdays). The campaign features over 200 activities across more than 10 categories.
China National Film Museum
[Photo via Beijing Daily]
From July 6 to August 30, the museum closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. Starting August 31 (Monday), it will revert to its original schedule (closing on Mondays).
From July 6 to August 30, extended opening hours apply every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Specific arrangements are as follows:
Exhibition Areas:
9:00–17:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, last entry is at 19:00; the central rotunda and the exhibition halls on the first floor remain open until 20:00, while exhibition areas on the second through fourth floors close at 17:00.
Cinema: Extended hours apply on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On other open days, the museum closes after the last scheduled film screening of the day. Please check specific times via the museum's official WeChat account. During this period, Tuesdays are designated as the public screening days (at Reignwood Theater).
National Art Museum of China
[Photo via the official website of the National Art Museum of China]
The National Art Museum of China has optimized its summer hours and reservation slots. From July 15 to August 30, on weekdays, the closing time is 18:00 (last entry at 17:00); on weekends, the closing time is 20:00 (last entry at 19:00). A total of 2,000 daily reservation slots have been added, with entry times staggered to avoid crowding. Visitors can make reservations online via the museum's official WeChat mini-program (中国美术馆).
Geological Museum of China
[Photo via the official website of the Geological Museum of China]
From July 13 to August 31, the museum is open from 9:00 to 18:00 every day.
Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture
[Photo via The Beijing News]
Starting July 6, the museum opens on Mondays and closes on Tuesdays. It is now hosting the "Midsummer Garden Nights—Reading Wisdom" (盛夏园博奇妙夜·读书慧) program, featuring book-sharing and cultural exchange activities on themes such as traditional garden culture, ancient literature, and gardening techniques. Registration is available through the museum's official WeChat account (中国园林博物馆).
Capital Museum
[Photo via VCG]
From May 18 to October 18, the museum closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. Any special changes will be announced separately.
Opening Hours: 9:00–20:00 daily (last entry at 19:00)
From 17:00 to 20:00, only the first floor and basement level are open, including the hall for the exhibition "Maize, Gold, Jaguars—A Grand Exhibition of Ancient Maya and Andean Civilizations", as well as functional areas such as the cloakroom, souvenir shops, and dining facilities.
Grand Canal Museum of Beijing (Capital Museum East Branch)
[Photo via Beijing Daily]
From July 1 to August 31, the museum closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays.
Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 daily (last entry at 19:00)
Starting September 1, the museum reverts to closing on Mondays. All adjustments to the opening schedule will be announced separately. Please follow the museum's official WeChat account (北京大运河博物馆) for the latest updates.
Administrative Office of Beijing White Dagoba Temple
[Photo via the official WeChat account of Administrative Office of Beijing White Dagoba Temple]
From July 5 to August 30, the site closes on Tuesdays instead of Mondays, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30).
Beijing Planetarium
[Photo via VCG]
From July 6 to August 30, the Beijing Planetarium is scheduled to open for 56 consecutive days, with no weekly closures (which usually fall on Tuesdays). Opening hours are 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30). The "Planetarium's Magical Night" (天文馆奇妙夜) features eight themed weeks in rotation, plus overnight activities for families with children aged 6–12.
Beijing Folklore Museum
[Photo via the official website of the Beijing Folklore Museum]
This summer, the museum is hosting the "Dongyue Art Season" (东岳艺术季) event series. From July 7 to August 23, it presents nine signature activities including nighttime film screenings, traditional Chinese music performances, dance performances of the Han, Tang and Song dynasties, and Chinese-style parades.
(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)