The Oriental Metropolitan Museum, also known as the Six Dynasties Museum (六朝博物馆), is a prominent cultural institution located in Nanjing, China. Renowned for its rich historical significance, the museum serves as a captivating window into the vibrant heritage of the region during six dynasties.
The Six Dynasties period, spanning from the third to sixth centuries, was a pivotal era in Chinese history marked by political upheavals, cultural exchanges, and artistic advancements. The museum’s collection beautifully encapsulates this dynamic era, featuring a wide range of artifacts and artworks that provide invaluable insights into the social, political, and artistic developments of the time.
Visitors to the Oriental Metropolitan Museum are treated to a diverse array of exhibits, including archaeological discoveries, sculptures, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and ancient manuscripts. These artifacts reflect the multifaceted nature of the Six Dynasties period, showcasing influences from various cultures, such as Han Chinese, Buddhist, and Western styles.
The museum’s architecture itself is a testament to its historical significance. Housed within a renovated ancient government office, the building harmoniously blends traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern design, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Through its extensive collection and engaging displays, the Oriental Metropolitan Museum provides a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of the Six Dynasties period. It offers a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Nanjing and its pivotal role in shaping Chinese history, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Oriental Metropolitan Museum
- Vlog about Oriental Metropolitan Museum
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Oriental Metropolitan Museum
Basic Information
| Website | http://liuchao.njmuseumadmin.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-025-52326032 |
Location and Transportation
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum is located in the center of Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, right next to the Presidential Palace. Its exact address is No. 302 Changjiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 9, 29, 44, 65, 95, or 304, get off at the Presidential Palace Stop (总统府站), and walk about 100 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Metro: The nearest metro station to the Six Dynasties Museum is Daxinggong (大行宫) on line 2 and line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit 5, walk about 150 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Highlights of Oriental Metropolitan Museum
Archaeological Discoveries
The Six Dynasties Museum in Nanjing proudly displays a remarkable collection of archaeological discoveries from the Six Dynasties period. These findings include ancient pottery, bronze artifacts, jade carvings, and coins, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the era. The museum also showcases unearthed tombs and burial objects, shedding light on burial customs and social structures of the time. These archaeological treasures provide valuable insights into the lives, craftsmanship, and societal practices of the people during the Six Dynasties period, making them a significant highlight of the museum’s collection.
Ceramics
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum is home to a remarkable collection of ceramics from the Six Dynasties period. These ceramics represent a pivotal era in Chinese ceramic history, showcasing a diverse range of styles and techniques. Visitors can admire delicate porcelain vessels, stoneware jars, and earthenware figurines. The ceramics display exquisite craftsmanship, intricate designs, and a variety of glazing methods. They provide valuable insights into the artistic, technological, and cultural advancements of the time. The ceramic collection at the Six Dynasties Museum is a testament to the mastery of ancient Chinese potters and the enduring legacy of ceramic art in China.
Calligraphy and Painting
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum in Nanjing proudly showcases a captivating collection of calligraphy and painting from the Six Dynasties period. These artworks exemplify the profound artistic achievements and cultural expressions of the era. Visitors can admire the elegant strokes of calligraphy by renowned scholars, revealing the development of writing styles and the aesthetics of the time. The museum also displays exquisite paintings depicting various subjects, such as landscapes, figures, and religious themes. These artworks not only demonstrate the technical skills of the artists but also offer glimpses into the cultural, social, and philosophical aspects of Six Dynasties society.
Historical Documents and Literature
The Oriental Metropolitan Museum in Nanjing proudly presents a collection of historical documents and literature from the Six Dynasties period. These invaluable artifacts offer a glimpse into the intellectual and literary achievements of the time. Visitors can explore ancient manuscripts, official records, and literary works that shed light on governance, philosophy, literature, and social customs of the era. These historical documents provide a unique opportunity to engage with the written heritage of Nanjing and appreciate the significant contributions of scholars and thinkers from that time.
Vlog about Oriental Metropolitan Museum
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Scenic Design at Six Dynasties Museum: The Six Dynasties Museum features picturesque scenes with small bridges and flowing water, along with well-designed elements like bamboo shadows, making it an excellent spot for photography. However, note that the number of artifacts is relatively fewer compared to the Nanjing Museum, resulting in a more spacious feel.
Second Floor – Artifact Exhibition: The second floor houses artifacts, though not in large quantities. There are elementary school student guides available to provide explanations. The most aesthetically pleasing layout of the entire museum is on this floor, featuring a beautiful Chinese aesthetic. The use of bamboo creates an atmosphere of intersecting light and shadows, offering excellent photo opportunities.
First Floor – Temporary Exhibition Hall: The first floor serves as a temporary exhibition hall. During the visit, there was an interesting exhibition on Greek-era painted pottery and the art and culture of Apulia. This exhibition showcased artifacts related to the six gods of ancient Greek mythology, including statues and pottery.
Third Floor – Six Dynasties Figures: The third floor mainly consists of wall texts accompanied by illustrations of figures from the Six Dynasties period, which may not be as engaging.
Lower Ground Floor – Archaeological Remains: The lower ground floor focuses on archaeological remains, offering a close-up view of the Nanjing city wall. It also provides information about the layout of the city during that time.
Convenience Services: After passing through security and before ticket inspection, there is a facial recognition luggage storage service on the right-hand side. If you have luggage, it is recommended to use this service to avoid carrying it throughout the museum.
