The National Museum of China: Building Memory, Shaping History, Presenting Identity

Abstract

In March 2011, the National Museum of China, a union of the former Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution, opened to the public at Tiananmen Square, the heart of the Chinese Nation. The transition to a modern museum complex was fast, ambitious and, to a certain extent, drastic: Only 20% of the original building was kept; 80% is new structure. Thus the museum expanded on a gigantic scale from 65,000 m² to almost 192,000 m², currently constituting the largest museum in the world. It presents itself with a new look and new displays. Although the architects of von Gerkan, Marg and Partners (gmp) were officially commissioned in 2004, the approved design and the entire building project experienced fundamental changes right up until the opening of the museum in 2011. This thesis undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the redesigned National Museum of China, its current significance, its role as a cultural institution and as a representative of the Chinese nation. Chapter One (Framing the Subject: Origins and Concepts) introduces general museum concepts and the historic development of the National Museum of China. Chapter Two (Building Memory: The Architectural Form) examines the current architecture and its influence in the creation of memory and memorial culture. Chapter Three (Shaping History: The Presentation of the Collection) investigates the new presentation of the collection as well as continuities and changes in the display of the official master narrative. An appendix includes comprehensive results of various visitor surveys and statements of the museum staff from 2003, 2007 and 2011. This study presents the latest transformation of one of the most important cultural institutions of the People's Republic of China.