[Photo via National Natural History Museum]

With a collection of more than 372,000 historical and current artifacts and a history of more than 70 years, the National Natural History Museum (formerly known as the Beijing Museum of Natural History) is a popular attraction that receives 1.8 million visits every year.

Its new site, located along the south of Beijing's central axis, covers an area of 57,700 sqm.

The history of this museum can be traced back to the 1950s. In March 1951, the ministry of culture and the Chinese Academy of Sciences established a preparatory committee to build the museum and in January 1959 it was opened to the public. In 1962, it was named Beijing Museum of Natural History, and in January this year it was renamed the National Museum of Natural History.

Going forward, this museum will expand its collection, actively play an increasingly important role in scientific research, develop diversified learning programs and deepen international communication.