BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2024 — The main structure of a new branch of the Palace Museum, situated in Haidian district of Beijing, is expected to reach its primary structural milestone by the end of 2024, the Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday.
The construction of the northern branch of the Palace Museum signifies a major event in the institution’s centennial development, promising a significant and enduring impact. Upon completion, this northern branch will significantly enhance the museum’s capabilities in artifact preservation, research, and public engagement, Wang Xudong, director of the Palace Museum, stated at an event on Tuesday.
The new facilities will provide advanced protection and display options, enabling more scientific conservation and effective exhibition of cultural relics. Moreover, the northern branch is anticipated to strengthen international cooperation, facilitating wider dissemination of Chinese cultural achievements and promoting global cultural exchanges, Wang observed.
Spanning over 100,000 square meters, this new branch incorporates an array of advanced facilities designed to better preserve relics, including earthquake-resistant protection of exhibits, constant temperature and humidity monitoring, and specialized lighting systems.
The interior of the northern complex will feature over 300 seismic isolation and damping components, safeguarding the building and its precious artifacts from seismic activity.
Li Yun, a national first-class registered structural engineer, told the Global Times on Wednesday that by employing cutting-edge building materials and construction techniques, the safety of the structures has been augmented, providing enhanced protection for cultural heritage.
“The innovative aluminum alloy roofing not only maintains the style of traditional architecture but also ensures that the structures will retain their pristine appearance for many years to come,” Li remarked.
The concrete used in the northern compound buildings utilizes biomimetic self-healing technology. When cracks of less than 0.6 millimeters occur, this special concrete can “heal” itself, significantly extending the lifespan of the structures.
The self-healing concrete significantly enhances the protection of cultural heritage and reduces maintenance costs, Li said.
The new museum is expected to be completed in 2025, marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Palace Museum.
This northern extension is designed to alleviate space constraints faced by the main museum in central Beijing, enabling the display of more relics and providing dedicated restoration areas for cultural workers.
Once complete, the number of cultural relics on display will reach 20,000 to 30,000 pieces per year, Du Haijiang, deputy director of the Palace Museum, told the People’s Daily.
SOURCE Global Times