The Beijing Today Art Museum was established in 2002 as China’s first non-profit, non-governmental run museum of contemporary art.
//Mission//
“As a museum of international standards in its construction and operation, the Beijing Today Art Museum is actively committed to participating in the progress and development of Chinese contemporary art through its vision of modernity, global platform, standardized operations, and strives to explore the possibilities in developing the future of private museum systems within a Chinese context.“
//History//
Founded by Zhang Bao Quan, president of the Anteus Corporation, the museum moved to its current location, an abandoned beer factory, in 2004. Redesigned by architect Wang Hui, the museum features a unique docking-aesthetic entrance, three main exhibition buildings, and covers 4,000 square meters. After renovations, the museum opened with a solo exhibition of Fang Li Jun's work. The museum is extremely productive, and has held several major exhibitions including: Shi Shaoping, Liu Xiaodong’s artist retrospective, Zhou Qun Ya, Black-White-Gray, Tim Yip, Roger Pfund, Today Documents, and an annual National Student Awards exhibit: CAISSA Exhibition for Nominated Students from Art Academies-with entries from art academies of China and around the world including CAFA and Central St. The museum's current director, Alex Gao, leads the Today Art Museum's in exhibition, academic research, and business development activities, including design, print and publication of art catalogues, the artnow.com website, photography and film production, gift shop, art book store, and many other projects.
//Permanent Collection//
The Today Art Museum’s permanent collection includes iconic sculptures such as Yue Minjun chrome statues which mark the museum site, The Grand Banquet by Lu Shun, as well as works by Zhang Huan, Xu Bing, Wang Guangle, Xu Zhongmin, Fang Lijun, Miao Xiaochun, Lu Shanchuan, Feng Yan.
//Location//
The museum is located in the Central Business District (CBD), 32 Bai Zi Wan Road, Chao Yang District. Main number 5876 0600.
//Directions//
Take the line 10 metro to ShuangJing station. From the subway Exit B, make a left, walking along the main road (do not cross) until the 2nd street opening, take a left and continue down Baiziwan South 2nd Rd. The Today Art Museum which will be on the right side of the street, marked by Yue Minjun's polychrome sculptures.
