In 2007, the National Cultural Heritage Administration approved a master plan to address the limited exhibition space at Xi'an Beilin Museum. In early 2017, local governments in Shaanxi proposed expanding and renovating the museum and upgrading the surrounding Sanxue Street area. The renovation officially began in 2019. 

After years of meticulous expansion and transformation, the newly upgraded Xi'an Beilin Museum is now open to the public. What are the highlights of the renovated museum? Let's take a tour.

The exhibits are now in the original museum complex and the new North Zone. The original space has 8,000 m² for exhibitions, while the North Zone adds 32,000 m². The collection has grown from over 800 to more than 2,000 cultural relics across both zones.

Central Axis Exhibition Halls

Pic from the official Weibo of Xi’an Beilin Museum

The original complex features a "one axis, two wings" layout that preserves the Beilin Forest of Steles' heritage. The museum has enhanced its presentation of stele inscriptions by optimizing visitor routes, enriching exhibition content, and adding interactive displays.

East & West Wing Exhibition Halls

Stone Carving Art Gallery at West Wing: The gallery showcases fine stone carvings from Han and Tang mausoleums. It recently underwent preventive conservation and added 17 new relic sets, enhancing the content and presentation with modern exhibition techniques.

Stone Carving Art Gallery at East Wing: Themed "Buddhist Charm of Chang'an," this gallery showcases the allure of Buddhist statues from Chang'an City in ancient times with curated details, ambient lighting, and immersive displays.

Highlights of the North Zone

The North Zone features a grand fair-faced concrete building with one above-ground floor and two underground levels, designed to evoke a solemn and majestic atmosphere for its exhibitions.

"Stellar Glow over Chang'an: Treasures of Stele Inscriptions Exhibition" (East & West Halls on the 1st Floor)

This exhibition features 26 important steles and six sections: Chinese stele culture, Wang Xizhi's calligraphy, Yan Zhenqing's art, Liu Gongquan's legacy, Tang Buddhist culture, and stele traditions. It highlights the historical and artistic value of the museum's stele collections.

This exhibition features over 600 stone carvings, paintings, and ancient texts, exploring the evolution of Chinese characters and calligraphy while highlighting the Beilin Forest of Steles and the museum's role in preserving history and culture.

"Eternal Gallop: The Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum Special Exhibition" (North Hall at B2)

Focusing on the Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum, iconic masterpieces of Tang Dynasty sculpture, this exhibition explores their historical narratives and artistic legacy, showcasing their timeless cultural vitality and aesthetic appeal.

"Stone Tales of the Silk Road: Medieval Stele Inscriptions and the Silk Road Exhibition" (East Hall at B2)

The display features ancient stele epitaphs that narrate the history of the Silk Road, enriching visitors' understanding of its cultural heritage.