The Wanlin Art Museum of Wuhan University (武汉大学万林艺术博物馆), located in Wuhan, China, is a remarkable institution with a total floor area of 8,410.3 square meters. This three-story museum, which stands at a height of 28 meters, is affiliated with Wuhan University. Its establishment is a testament to the dedication of the university and the generous support of one of its alumni.
In June 2011, Mr. Chen Dongsheng, a member of Wuhan University’s 83rd class, made a remarkable personal donation of 100 million Chinese yuan to fund the construction of the Wanlin Art Museum. The museum is named in honor of Mr. Chen’s father. After several years of planning and construction, the Wanlin Art Museum officially opened its doors to the public on May 9, 2014.
Basic Information
| Website | http://museum.whu.edu.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 20.00; Last admission: 19.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-027-68756413 |
Location and Transportation
The Wanlin Art Museum of Wuhan University is situated within the campus of Wuhan University, located in the Wuchang District of Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Specifically, it can be found on Keji Road, on the western bank of Donghu Lake (East Lake). To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 340, 413, 552, 572, 587, or 591, get off at Bayi Road Luojia Hill Stop (八一路珞珈山站, Bayilu Luojiashan Stop), and walk about 600 meters to the north to reach the museum.
Metro: The closest metro station to Wanlin Art Museum of Wuhan University is Xiaohongshan (小洪山) on line 8. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 1 kilometer to the east to reach the museum.
Exhibitions of Wanlin Art Museum
The museum serves as a custodian of a diverse range of artifacts and specimens collected by Wuhan University over its 128-year history. Its collections include animal specimens, precious archaeological finds recovered by the university’s archaeology professionals and students, as well as specimens brought back from polar expeditions by the Antarctic Survey and Mapping Research Center.
The Wanlin Art Museum’s permanent exhibitions are divided into several sections, each showcasing different aspects of its extensive collection. These sections include the Animal Specimen Exhibition, the Wuhan University Archaeological Achievements Exhibition, the Fine Arts and Cultural Relics Exhibition, and the “Luò Luò Rú Shí” Exhibition.
The “Luò Luò Rú Shí” Exhibition is particularly noteworthy as it is divided into four thematic areas: Evolution and Prosperity, Life and Environment, Archaeology and Civilization, and Cultural Relics and Art. Together, these sections display nearly 1,300 bird specimens, over 140 mammal specimens, and more than 400 sets of cultural relics. These exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the diversity and geographic distribution of Chinese bird species, encompassing the five major ecosystems on Earth. Furthermore, they illustrate the historical evolution of Chinese civilization and its cultural context.
