Too Niche! A Free Hidden Gem Museum That Drama Enthusiasts Must See

Every time I pass by the Capital Theater, I never knew there was a Beijing People's Art Theatre Drama Museum hidden here. It's free and no reservation needed! On weekdays, you can have the whole place to yourself in the afternoon! Don't be fooled by the free admission—the content is incredibly rich. Drama enthusiasts and those interested in learning about Beijing People's Art Theatre and Beijing's drama culture shouldn't miss it! 👉🏻Directions After entering the main gate, walk to the left side of the Capital Theater building and you'll see an inconspicuous small door. Go in and take the elevator directly to the fourth floor. It's so low-key that most people don't notice it. 🗺️Museum Layout It consists of the Prelude Hall, People Hall, History Hall, Repertoire Hall, Stage Design Hall, and Comprehensive Hall. You can follow the clockwise route to tour the entire museum. ✔️The Prelude Hall features a large photo from "Teahouse," a giant optimization of the "42-hour conversation" that birthed the Beijing People's Art Theatre, bronze reliefs of playwrights Cao Yu, Lao She, and Guo Moruo, and a wall displaying all productions performed by the theatre since 1952. ✔️The People Hall is divided into four small halls, each introducing the life and artistic achievements of the four founders. ✔️The Repertoire Hall is the largest, occupying more than half of the entire museum. It's divided into three exhibition halls, showcasing many classic plays like "Thunderstorm," "Teahouse," and "Cai Wenji" in great detail, with photos, props, costumes, and actors' creative diaries that reveal stories from both on and off stage. ✔️Don't miss the two corridors—one with photos of the theatre's veteran artists and another with photos of all generations of actors. It's quite impressive. If you have time, try to find actors you know and like. ✅There's also a place for collecting stamps after Repertoire Hall II. There are quite a few stamps, so stamp collectors shouldn't miss it. ✅The lighting in the museum is a bit dim, and some glass displays cause reflections. Remember to wear glasses if you have poor eyesight. Many exhibits have QR codes you can scan for audio guides. ✅On May 10-11, there will be "Friends of Beijing People's Art Theatre Day" activities, featuring various theatrical performances and events. If interested, search for the official account "Beijing People's Art Theatre" to learn more. ✅Practical Information ⏰Opening Hours: 10:30-19:00 (Closed on Mondays) 🎫: Free admission, no reservation required Transportation: 🚌Buses: Routes 103, 104, 108, 111, Special 11 to "Dengshi West Exit Station" Routes 101, 109, 58 to "Art Museum East Station" 🚇Subway: Exit D/G southwest at Dongsi Station, within walking distance