Guanfu Museum

Established in 1996, Guanfu Museum in Beijing displays ancient Chinese ceramics, furniture, doors and windows, contemporary oil paintings, and sculptures.

Planning your visit

Guanfu was the first private museum registered in China after the reforms, founded in 1996 by Ma Weidu, a collector and cultural commentator who became widely known through television appearances explaining antiques to a mass audience.

The collection reflects one collector's eye: ancient Chinese ceramics across the dynasties, classical hardwood furniture — Ming furniture being a subject Ma has done much to popularise — carved doors, windows and architectural woodwork rescued from demolished buildings, alongside oil paintings and sculpture.

The furniture and architectural elements are the distinctive holdings. Chinese domestic woodwork was discarded in enormous quantities during twentieth-century upheavals and urban clearance, and private collectors saved much of what survives.

The museum has operated from several Beijing locations and maintains branches elsewhere, so confirming the current address before travelling is worthwhile.

Bookable options include tours combining the museum with the 798 art district. Current availability is listed below.