About
Founded in 1996 by the legendary collector and cultural scholar Ma Weidu, Guanfu Museum was the first private museum to be officially registered in the People’s Republic of China. Unlike the avant-garde industrial spaces of 798, Guanfu is dedicated to the preservation and systematic display of traditional Chinese decorative arts. Its collection is world-renowned for its depth in ceramics, classical furniture, gold work, and lacquerware, with a mission to "humanize history" through the tactile beauty of ancient objects. It is a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts seeking to understand the artisanal heritage of China.
The Beijing location is particularly famous for its Ming and Qing dynasty furniture galleries and its specialized "Guanfu Cat" cultural program, which uses feline ambassadors to engage younger audiences with traditional heritage. The museum’s philosophy centers on the continuity of culture, presenting historical artifacts not as static relics but as living ancestors of modern aesthetic sensibilities. By maintaining a high standard of research and exhibition, Guanfu Museum serves as an essential custodian of Chinese national identity and a premier destination for cultural connoisseurship.