Current visitor details
Hours, admission, booking and passport guidance below come from the Place record shared by city, itinerary and booking pages. Unverified or stale high-risk claims are not shown as facts.
Booking
Free general admission, but a timed real-name reservation is required; present the original passport at the north gate.
Plan ahead: Book 3-7 days ahead in peak season; reservations open 7 days in advance.
On site: No on-site ticket sales; reserve online in advance.
Channels: Official website (chnmuseum.cn) · Official reservation mini-program / WeChat account
Foreign passport
Foreign visitors register with passport information during reservation and present the original passport for entry at the north gate.
Opening and last entry
Open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-17:00, last entry 16:00; closed Mondays except statutory holidays. From June 1 through October 31, closing is extended to 17:30 with last entry at 16:30.
Admission
General admission is free; some special exhibitions may require a separate ticket.
Why this place matters
The institution was formed by merging the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History, reopening in its current building in 2011.
What to notice
- The 'Ancient China' galleries trace continuous civilization from early hominins to the Qing dynasty.
- The 'Road of Rejuvenation' exhibition covers modern and contemporary history.
- Major bronze, jade, and ceramic masterpieces are displayed along the central axis of the building.
- The north-gate entrance faces Tiananmen Square; security screening is at the north or south gate.