On May 18, the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Museum Day·Main Venue in China was held at the Grand Canal Museum of Beijing, themed “the Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”. Rao Quan, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism and Head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and Sima Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Emma Nardi, President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), delivered a video address.

The opening ceremony unveiled the list of China’s Most Innovative Museums of 2025 and the masterpiece award of the 22nd (2024) “Top Ten Museum Exhibitions”, while formally launching the “2025 Beijing Museum Season”. Moreover, “The Exhibition Series on the Origins of Chinese Civilization: This is the Shang” debuted at the ceremony, showcasing 338 artifacts (including oracle bones, bronze ware, pottery, and jade wares) from 28 archaeological and cultural institutions nationwide.

The International Museum Day·Main Venue in China has now been successfully held for 17 editions. This year, co-hosted by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the program features three dedicated forums: thematic forum, youth forum and curator forum. Across Beijing, the host city, a series of diverse and engaging activities have also been held, including special exhibitions, academic symposiums, public interactions and cultural heritage promotions.