May 18 is designated as International Museum Day, with this year's theme being "Museums, Sustainability and Well-being". As the cultural center of China, Beijing has been prioritizing innovation, and stepping up efforts to build itself into a city of museums. As of 2022, Beijing boasts a total of 215 registered museums. The city has set an ambitious target of increasing the number to over 260 by 2025 and surpassing 460 by 2035, so as to establish itself as a city with a diverse range of museums within its jurisdiction.

On the occasion of International Museum Day, the first edition of Beijing Museum Activity Month was recently held and will last until May 31. The event features various activities, including Museum Month with Activities Benefiting Visitors, Museum Cultural and Creative Fair, and the main venue activities for the upcoming International Museum Day on May 18. It will focus on promoting nearly 300 exhibitions and more than 1,000 online cultural relics. In what ways can the museums contribute to enhancing our lives? What exhibitions are scheduled for this event? My dear friends, the following exhibitions are truly worth your attention!

Science, Technology and Nature 

1. Exhibition of Chinese Agricultural Civilization 

Time: May 1-31

Venue: China Agricultural Museum

Introduction: The exhibition offers a fascinating exploration of the history of Chinese agriculture, tracing the evolution of agricultural science and technology, culture, economy and society. Covering everything from the invention and transmission of agricultural tools to the origin and development of the breeding industry, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the agricultural civilization.

2. Exhibition of Agricultural Science Popularization Museum

Time: May 1-31

Venue: China Agricultural Museum

Introduction: This exhibition offers a unique experience with its use of immersive interactive technology, featuring 11 science popularization and experiential projects all centered on agricultural production, food nutrition, and solar term culture, among other related topics. As visitors are transported on an interactive journey, they not only enjoy the joy of observing solar terms and acquire related knowledge but also gain a profound understanding of the rich traditional culture of China.

3. Micro-exhibition of "My Carmaking Dream"  

Time: May 18-31

Venue: Beijing Auto Museum (Fengtai District Planning Exhibition Hall, Beijing Municipality)

Introduction: This micro-exhibition showcases sculptures of five iconic automobile figures and the stories behind them. On the opening day of the exhibition, a commentator regaled visitors with the story of the world's first female driver who drove the first-ever car, and transported them back to a time when automobiles were a new and exciting invention. Additionally, visitors can collect photos of the "My Carmaking Dream" sculptures showcased and post them on WeChat Moments to exchange 7 limited-edition seals at the tourist service center located on the first floor.

4. Exhibition of World Mobile Communication Terminal Equipment 

Time: May 3-31

Venue: Beijing Century-old World Telephone Museum

Introduction: This exhibition features mobile phones from the 1G to 5G generations. By carrying out the "Communication Documentary Exhibition" in collaboration with the "Mobile Communication Changes the World—World Mobile Communication Terminal Equipment Exhibition", the exhibition aims to provide visitors with an in-depth insight into the evolution of communication technology.

5. Retrospective Exhibition of the 30th Anniversary of Beijing Football

Time: From April 20

Venue: Beijing Zhongmeng Football Museum

Introduction: As 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Beijing Guoan Football Club, this commemorative exhibition serves as a special gift to the rich football legacy in Beijing. The exhibit honors the dedication and resilience of Chinese footballers, takes visitors on a journey through the history of football in China, and provides valuable insight into the present state of development for both football sports and culture in the country.

Humanities and Social Sciences

1. Self-portrait Exhibition of Masters Collected by the Uffizi Galleries

Time: April 26-September 10

Venue: National Museum of China

Introduction: The Uffizi Galleries’s collection of 50 self-portraits by prominent artists, including Raphael, Tizian, Rembrandt, is the centerpiece of this exhibition. By showcasing works spanning the 16th to the 21st century, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the artistic evolution of art history and the self-awareness of the artists who created them. The exhibition also served as a closing project of the "China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism".

2. Science Popularization Exhibition Themed the 2023 "International Museum Day"

Time: May 18-June 30

Venue: Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum

Introduction: This exhibition provides a science popularization of the life and ideas of Confucius, highlighting how his philosophy aligns with the theme of "Sustainability and Well-being" for the 2023 International Museum Day. Through a focus on sustainable development, the exhibition demonstrates the ongoing efforts to preserve Confucius Temple and Imperial College, showcasing how cultural heritage can be sustainably managed for future generations.

3. New Benchmark of Intelligent High-speed Railway in China—Beijing-Zhangjiakou Intercity Railway

Time: May 1-31

Venue: Zhan Tianyou Memorial Museum

Introduction: This exhibition, centering on the main components of high-speed railways, including "stations", "bridges", "tunnels", "electric multiple units (EMUs)", "intelligent technology" and "station and train services for the Beijing Winter Olympics". It offers visitors a thorough understanding of the construction process of high-speed railways and the various services for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

4. Works Exhibition of 2022 China-Italy Youth Future Fashion Design Competition

Time: May 6-31

Venue: Poly Art Museum

Introduction: This exhibition features the award-winning entries of the China-Italy Youth Future Fashion Design Competition, including 30 exceptional pieces or collections. In addition, a diverse range of related activities will be held during the event.

The focus of the exhibition planning for the 2022 China-Italy Youth Future Fashion Design Competition is "Fashion Circular", with an emphasis on promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Through this exhibition, young designers can showcase their contributions to global sustainable development in the new era while promoting the profound integration of culture and tourism.

5. Exhibition Area of Foreign Clocks and Watches

Venue: Liaocang Museum of Time

Introduction: This exhibition presents foreign clocks and watches, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship embodied by these timepieces.

For more information about the museums in Beijing, please click the link:

http://english.beijing.gov.cn/consuminginbeijing/onedayinbeijing/museums/index.html

(Source: Official Website of Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage)