The Design of Historical Archives and Museum in China

The First Historical Archives of China is a central-level national archive specialising in the archives of the imperial family of the Ming and Qing. The building, formerly located in the Forbidden City of Beijing, no longer meets the needs of archival preservation and display due to its original conditions. The construction of the new museum is conducive to the rescue and preservation of archival and cultural resources of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the promotion of the motherland and the enhancement of the country’s cultural soft power.

The new museum is located on Qi Nian Street in Dongcheng District, the heart of Beijing, with a total construction area of 99,000m2 and a height of 45 metres. The interior design includes public space for visitors, audio-visual space, as well as transportation space for internal staff and reception space of about 5,800m2. One of many outstanding details is the finely textured beige travertine of the building’s facade that continues into the lobby, with its cascading textures and mottled holes.