The CAFA Art Museum

The new CAFA Art Museum, completed in March 2008, is one of the most futuristic art museums in China. The architecture of the museum is a slightly twisted curved surface body. Formerly known as the CAFA Gallery, the museum was built in 1953 and was the first professional art gallery after the founding of the People's Republic in 1949.

As a national fine art institute with comprehensive disciplines, CAFA will give you the opportunity to discover works from the academy's graduates that reflect the development history of China's art education.

Its collections comprise pieces of ancient art like traditional paintings, calligraphies and sculptures, also contemporary works in various disciplines like painting, print, watercolor, video, and design, and finally international artworks.

The museum also welcomes temporary exhibitions and special event like the ongoing CAFAM Biennale (until October 30, 2011). Its goal is to address the most pressing issues in contemporary art, inviting curators, artists and experts from across the world. During this event, the museum encourages the student community and the public to attend interactive and educational activities around the theme of "Super Organism."

If you like photography, don't miss the exhibit Original 100, which pays a tribute to the Western photography of the 20th century through a hundred photographs.

At the end of your visit, don't miss the gift shop filled with a wide range of souvenirs like notebooks with artwork-printed covers and other design items.

Art Route

The National Art Museum of China

> Address: 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing

> Opening hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry: 16:00)

> Price: Free entrance

> Website: http://www.namoc.org/en

The CAFA Art Museum

> Address: No.8 Huajiadi South Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing

> Opening hours: 9:30 to 17:30 (Tuesday to Sunday)

Tickets issued until 17:00 [Closed on Mondays]

> Price: 15 yuan ($2.3)/10 yuan ($1.5) for students above 13 years old with student ID

> Free entrance for regular exhibitions for visitors under 12 years old and above 60 years old or on National Museum Day (May 18)

[Get free tickets from the ticket office at the West Gate by showing your valid ID]

> Website: http://www.cafamuseum.org/en