National Art Museum of China Reopens Today, Allows Foreigners

We're happy to report that another of Beijing's cultural sites has reopened to the public as of today, May 13: the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). We're doubly happy to report that they're also allowing foreigners, unlike the National Museum of China and the Capital Museum, both of which reopened just prior to May Day holiday, but due to an oversight with the reservation systems only allowed Chinese nationals to make reservations.

The Dongsi-adjacent museum returns to its regular hours – 9am-5pm (4pm last entry), Tuesday through Sunday – but with an additional hour of closure between 1-2pm for sterilization. They will also observe the usual restrictions on the number of daily visitors and thus require booking ahead via their online registration system for either morning (9am-midday; 300 slots) or afternoon (2-4pm; 200 slots). You will also need to present your valid ID and health kit app upon entry and wear a mask at all times. Otherwise, it's completely free.

Despite its programming occasionally being hijacked for more nationalistic purposes, NAMOC remains one of the best state-run museums in the country. Its bimonthly rotating exhibitions usually highlight masters in the Chinese cannon while its permanent collections focus on Chinese traditional and folk arts, as well as the occasional foreign artist.

Currently, slots remain through this week but availability over the weekend is already filling up fast. For details on how to register and book (in Chinese), visit NAMOC's official website here.

READ: Forbidden City, Nanluogu Xiang, and Other Major Attractions Reopen

Images: CGTN, NAMOC