The China National Museum has been officially opened in Beijing. Chinese President Jiang Zemin wrote an inscription for the museum, and Vice Premier Li Lanqing unveiled the tablet.
Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, China National Museum was created from the merger of the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution.
It will integrate the collection, research and display of cultural and historical relics, using equipment of advanced international standards. The museum will take an active part in international cultural exchanges, and widen exhibition channels to broaden the influence of Chinese culture in the world.
A renovation project of the museum is expected to start soon. Upon completion of the project in 2007, the museum will cover 150,000 square meters, compared to 65,000 square meters at present.
(China.org.cn March 1, 2003)