“Step right up! Who wants to explore Beijing’s first county-level comprehensive museum?” I ask. This is the Mentougou Museum. A place where history, revolution, and folk customs come alive.
Mentougou Museum opened its doors in September 1984. It was a project that began in August 1982. Back then, the museum was styled like a Qing Dynasty garden. Imagine courtyards and winding paths. The original museum covered 15,100 square meters. Its buildings occupied 1,464 square meters.
In July 1996, the Mentougou Museum moved. Its new home is Building No.4 in Xiangdong Living Area. This is on Xinqiao Street. The museum rents the first floor for exhibits and daily operations.
Inside the Mentougou Museum, you will find a treasure trove. There are about 3,400 folk-custom items. The basic displays cover Mentougou’s history. They also cover its revolutionary past and folk traditions.
Mentougou Museum offers more than just permanent displays. It hosts temporary exhibitions too. These cover diverse subjects. Cultural relics, revolutions, folk customs, paintings, and photography are all featured. The Mentougou Museum uses circular and regular formats for these exhibitions.
Before you head inside, take note of a few essential details. Mentougou Museum is closed on Mondays. It opens from 9:00 to 16:00 Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is quite affordable. It costs only 5 RMB.
To reach the Mentougou Museum, take the subway to Pingguoyuan station. From there, hop on bus number 101, 336, 370, 921, 931, or 959. Get off at the Hetan stop. Walk 100 meters west. Binhai Park is a nearby attraction if you fancy a stroll after your museum visit.
The Mentougou Museum isn’t just a repository of artifacts. It’s a window into the soul of Mentougou. It is a testament to the district’s rich heritage. Spend some time here. You will walk away with a deeper appreciation for this unique corner of Beijing.