Changzhou Museum (常州博物馆), established in October 1958, stands as a comprehensive local museum integrating collection, research, and exhibition. It includes the unique Children’s Natural Museum in Jiangsu Province. The museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 cultural relics, including 27 national first-class relics, 166 second-class relics, and 3,129 third-class relics. Noteworthy among these are artifacts from the Liangzhu Culture period, primitive celadon from the Spring and Autumn periods, lacquerware and porcelain from the Song and Yuan dynasties, as well as calligraphy and paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, all contributing to the museum’s distinctive and high-quality collection.
Covering an area of nearly 10,000 square meters, the museum is a five-story structure, with four above-ground floors and one below-ground floor. The first to third floors serve as exhibition areas, showcasing displays on Changzhou‘s historical and cultural heritage, natural exhibits, the Xie Zhiliu Art Gallery, and a collection of mahogany furniture. The Changzhou Museum is not only a repository of historical treasures but also a cultural hub providing visitors with a comprehensive insight into the rich heritage of the region.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Changzhou Museum
- Vlog about Changzhou Museum
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Changzhou Museum
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0519-85165089 0086-0519-85165080 |
Location and Transportation
Originally housed in three different locations, namely Hongmei Pavilion, Tianning Temple, and Qingliang Temple, Changzhou Museum underwent a transformative journey before finding its current home. In 2006, the museum relocated to its new and contemporary facility at 1288 Longcheng Avenue, Changzhou. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 24, 213, or B12 and get off at Changzhou Planning Museum (Changzhou Museum) Stop (常州规划馆·常州博物馆站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Changzhou Museum in Citizen’s Square (市民广场) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit 2, walk about 800 meters to the northwest to reach the museum.
Highlights of Changzhou Museum
Changzhou Historical Exhibition
The historical exhibition at Changzhou Museum, a portrayal of the city’s rich cultural heritage, employs 1,288 precious artifacts. The chronological arrangement covers various periods, including the Neolithic Wudun site, the Yanling and Yancheng of the Spring and Autumn Period, the Lanling Commandery of the Jin Dynasty, the impact of the Grand Canal during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the prosperous economy, active commerce, and cultural vitality of Changzhou during the Song Dynasty, and the academic flourishing in the Ming and Qing periods.
Children’s Natural Exhibition
Established in December 1995, Changzhou Children’s Natural Museum is the only one of its kind in Jiangsu Province. Featuring over 2,000 species and 4,000 exhibits, including 103 species and 158 pieces of wild animals and plants under national first and second-level protection, the exhibition is divided into four main sections: “The Evolution of Earth’s Life,” “Diverse and Beautiful Nature,” “Colorful Animal Kingdom,” and “The Beautiful Hometown.”
Xie Zhiliu Art Gallery
Dedicated to the renowned contemporary master of Chinese painting and calligraphy, Xie Zhiliu (谢稚柳), the art gallery showcases his outstanding contributions to art, spanning over half a century. Xie Zhiliu’s expertise in poetry, calligraphy, painting, research, authentication, and study is prominently displayed, making this gallery a tribute to his multifaceted achievements in the art world.
Redwood Furniture Exhibition
The Redwood Furniture Exhibition introduces visitors to the generous donation of redwood furniture by the patriotic industrialist, Mr. Liu Guojun. Born in 1887 in Jingjiang County, Liu Guojun, despite humble beginnings, became a key figure in modern machine industry in Changzhou. The donated redwood furniture, mainly crafted from old redwood and dating back to the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, is exquisite in workmanship and features beautiful patterns. The exhibition recreates three domestic scenes – hall, study, and bedroom – typical of Jiangnan’s residences during the Ming and Qing periods.
Vlog about Changzhou Museum
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Limited Parking Space: The museum provides parking facilities, but the space is limited. During holidays, there might be queues for parking. Plan accordingly and consider arriving early to secure a parking spot.
Recommended Features:
- Clear Logical Layout: The museum boasts a clear and logical layout, making it easy for visitors to navigate. The exhibits are organized in a way that is easily understandable.
- Highlight in Every Section: Each section of the museum has its own highlights, and they are all connected to the city in some way. This enhances the overall experience and relevance to the city’s history and culture.
Consider Elevator Usage: In times of high visitor traffic, especially during peak hours, it’s mentioned that the elevators for going up and down may become crowded and may not be sufficient for the number of people. Visitors should be prepared for potential delays.
