临桂博物馆

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Guilin lies the 临桂博物馆, a treasure trove of history and culture. The 临桂博物馆 first opened its doors in 1986, but its story begins much earlier, in 1963, with the initial preparations for its construction. The museum’s name, gracefully inscribed by Guo Moruo, signifies its importance as a repository of Guilin’s heritage. The original 临桂博物馆 was located on West Mountain Road. In 2010, a new chapter began with the construction of a new 临桂博物馆 in the Lingui District. This new building, completed in 2014, opened to the public in December 2016. It stands as a testament to Guilin’s dedication to preserving its past. Today, the 临桂博物馆 is recognized as a National First-Class Museum. Within its walls, the 临桂博物馆 houses a rich collection of over 30,000 artifacts. These treasures span various categories, from historical documents and ancient calligraphy to exquisite porcelain, minority folk art, and international gifts. The 临桂博物馆 offers four permanent exhibition halls, showcasing the depth and breadth of Guilin’s history. The “Guilin History and Culture Exhibition” takes visitors on a journey through 30,000 years of human activity in the area, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Another hall is dedicated to the art of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This exhibition features paintings, calligraphy, and porcelain pieces from prominent artists of those periods, offering a glimpse into the cultural flourishing of those times. The “International Friends’ Gifts Exhibition” displays gifts presented by foreign dignitaries and organizations, reflecting Guilin’s global connections. The 临桂博物馆’s collection of Ming Dynasty plum vases is particularly noteworthy. It is considered the largest and most comprehensive collection of its kind in any museum in China. The 临桂博物馆’s collection includes over 300 plum vases, with the majority dating back to the Ming dynasty. These porcelain treasures showcase a remarkable variety of shapes, sizes, and decorative styles, providing invaluable insights into the porcelain artistry of that era. Some of these vases have even served as standard reference pieces for artifact authentication.