Tibet Museum Officially Closed from December 1st, 2016

In order to improve the exhibition environment and enhance the visitors' experience, Tibet Museum has been officially closed from December 1st, 2016 for redecoration. And the renovation work is expected to be completed in the following three or five years.

Tibet Museum, located at the southeastern corner of Norbulingka, is the first modern museum in Tibet Autonomous Region. It was open to public on October 1st, 1999, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 40th anniversary of the Tibetan democratic reform. The museum covers an area of 53,959 square meters. The total construction area reaches up to 23,508 square meters and the exhibition area is about 10,451 square meters. On the central axis of the museum stand an administrative quarter, a main exhibition hall and a folk cultural garden.

Tibet Museum has been put into use since 1999.

Since the operation of Tibet Museum, the exhibition of Tibetan history and culture has been appraised as one of the "National Top Ten Exhibitions in 1999" by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, Chinese Museum Association and Chinese Cultural Relics Newspaper. In 2002, Tibet Museum was awarded as the National 4A tourist attraction. On the 2010 National Museum Cultural Product Development Forum, the Songtsen Gampo Tangka of silk brocade from Tibet Museum has won the second prize.

This museum not only retains the distinctive characteristics of traditional Tibetan architecture but also combines the practical features of modern architecture. Till 2013, Tibet Museum has already equipped with many modern services and facilities, like multi-function hall, cultural corridor, craft stores, etc. It definitely offers citizens and tourists a golden chance to know more about Tibet, including its unique culture, ancient history, ethnic customs and development course.

With a total investment of nearly 700 million yuan, Tibet Museum expanded on its original site will take up an area of over 60,000 square meters. The appearance of the new museum would be the same as before. But in the internal section, the public service will be highlighted. With brand-new equipment installed and public area added, this new Tibet Museum aims to become one of the first-class museums in China and make a great contribution in Tibet tourism. Let’s look forward to the coming of the new museum of Lhasa!