The National Art Museum of China is dedicated to the collection, research and exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

In June 1963, Chairman Mao Zedong inscribed the Chinese name of the museum. The main building features the styles of ancient Chinese attics and ethnic architecture, which is roofed with yellow glazed tiles and surrounded by corridors and pavilions.

The five-story building covers an area of more than 2,000 square meters and houses more than 100,000 pieces of various collections, most of which are creations around the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Some collections are masterpieces from the late Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty (1368-1911). Most collections are modern and contemporary works, including masterpieces of renowned contemporary Chinese artists, award-winning works from major art exhibitions, and various folk works. Included are such painters as Ren Bonian, Wu Changshuo, Huang Binhong, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Jiang Zhaohe, Li Keran, Wu Zuoren, Ye Qianyu, Luo Gongliu and Wu Guanzhong.

The museum also collects hundreds of foreign works, including four oil Picassos.

The museum has held thousands of influential exhibitions, including "Italian art - Italian life "(an important exhibition of "Year of Italy" in 2006) and "From Titian to Goya Masterpieces from the Prado Museum" (an important exhibition of "Year of Spain" in 2007).

"The Lights of Dun Huang", held earlier this year, attracted 660,000 visitors in two months.

Further information:

Address: 1 Wusi Dajie, East District, Beijing
Opening Time: 9:00 -- 17:00 (Last Entry at 16:00); Opening all year round
Entry ticket: 20 yuan/person
Ticket Hotline: 6400 6326
Information Inquiry: 8403 3500
Website: http://www.namoc.org/namoc/index.jsp

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2008)