China National Film Museum

Introduction

The China National Film Museum (CNFM) is located at No. 9, Nanying Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. It was established in 2005 to commemorate a century of Chinese filmmaking. The museum showcases the historical evolution and technological innovations in Chinese cinema and is recognized as the world's largest professional national museum of its kind.

The architectural design of the CNFM is a collaboration between RTKL International Inc. and the Beijing Construction Design Institution. The museum houses approximately 40,000 items, including eight national-level pieces, documenting significant milestones in Chinese film history. Notable items include the study room of Zheng Zhengqiu, a 35mm hand-cranked silent film projector from Germany, and a photograph taken by Ren Qingtai.

The museum promotes cinema culture through exhibitions, film technology expos, and academic exchanges, focusing on both domestic and international cinematic discourse.

Exhibitions

The exhibitions at the China National Film Museum provide an in-depth exploration of the century-long journey of Chinese cinema, from its inception to its contemporary developments. The museum features 21 permanent exhibition halls, alongside temporary spacs and multifunctional halls dedicated to specialized exhibitions and meetings. These halls meticulously document the evolution of filmmaking in China, showcasing both the historical significance and artistic achievements that have shaped the industry.

The Flm Art Exhibition Hall, located on the second and third floors of the museum, includes the preface hall and ten exhibition halls. This area traces the origins and advancements in Chinese film, offering visitors a chronological journey through pivotal eras such as "The Invention of Film," "The Birth and Early Development of Chinese Films," "Chinese Films During the Revolutionary War," and "The Creation and Development of New Chinese Films." The exhibition also highlights thematic categories such as "Art Films," "Children's Movies," "Science Educational Movies," and more.

On the fourth floor, the Film Technology Expo area features ten exhibition halls showcasing the technological facets of filmmaking. This area delves into various aspects of film production, including film shooting, special photography, digital special effects, and diverse movie genres. The expo emphasizes audience participation and interactivity, with 77 projects that allow visitors to engage directly with film production processes.

Facilities

The China National Film Museum is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that cater to a wide range of cinematic and cultural activities. The museum boasts a variety of projection theatres, including one IMAX theatre, one digital projection theatre, and three 35mm projection theatres, each offering a premium viewing experience.

In addition to its projection theatres, the museum offers multifunctional halls that serve as versatile spaces for exhibitions, meetings, and events. These halls are equipped with modern amenities and technologies, making them ideal venues for hosting various activities.

The museum's design reflects a commitment to creating a harmonious balance between film arts and architectural innovation, providing visitors with a comprehensive and intimate experience of contemporary cinema culture.

Moreover, the CNFM accommodates specialized areas for exhibitions, including its expansive Film Art Exhibition Hall and Film Technology Expo area, designed to showcase the rich history and technological advancements in film.

Visitor Information

Address: No. 9, Nanying Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.

Operating Hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm).

Weekends: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm (last entry at 8:00 pm).

Closed on Mondays.

Admission: Free.

Reservation: Visitors to the museum are required to make reservations using their real names. Guests should book their visit through the official WeChat public account "Friends of the Film Museum" (影博之友) of the China National Film Museum. Upon a successful reservation by an adult, they can bring up to two children aged 6 or under without needing a reservation. Youth aged 6 and older but under 14 must reserve their spot and be accompanied by an adult when visiting the museum. Seniors aged 60 and above who encounter difficulties making online reservations can register on-site with valid identification. Movie enthusiasts holding tickets for the day's screenings can enter the museum without prior reservations.

Tel: (+86-10)84355959.