Nanjing Municipal Museum Chaotian Palace

Located in Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, the Nanjing Municipal Museum Chaotian Palace is a cultural venue integrating historical architecture and cultural relic exhibitions. Here's a detailed introduction: History The site of Chaotian Palace was a workshop for casting weapons and a populated area called "Yieshan" during the Spring and Autumn Period. It was rebuilt into a private villa called "Xiyuan" during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and the official academic institution Zongmingguan was established during the Liu Song Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties. In the 17th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1384), Zhu Yuanzhang decreed its reconstruction and named it "Chaotian Palace," making it the largest and most influential Taoist temple of the Ming Dynasty. During the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, it was converted into a Confucian Temple and became the location of the Jiangning Prefecture School. During the Republic of China, it was an antique and calligraphy and painting trading market and the location of the Capital High Court. In 1957, Chaotian Palace was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangsu Province, and in 2013, it was announced as a seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units. Architectural Features • Layout and Regulations: Covering an area of about 40,000 square meters, it adopts a three-hall system. All buildings are symmetrical along the central axis, facing north to south. The Confucian Temple complex is arranged along the central axis. The main buildings from south to north are the archway, screen wall, Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongsheng Hall. On the west side are the Dismount Stele and the main exhibition hall, and on the east side are the Jiangning Prefecture School and Qinxin Tower. • Architectural Style: It is a typical Ming and Qing Dynasty palace-style building with red walls and yellow tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners. Its architectural layout, style, and construction techniques are important physical data for studying ancient Chinese architecture, especially Ming and Qing architecture. Collection • Overview: The Nanjing Municipal Museum has a rich collection, from pre-Qin bronzes to Ming and Qing calligraphy and paintings, each carrying a profound historical heritage. • Special Exhibitions: "Dragon Panning and Tiger Crouching - Nanjing Urban History Exhibition" shows the historical changes of Nanjing with the development of urban history as the context; "Millennium of Scenic Spots - Chaotian Palace History Exhibition" presents the historical evolution of Chaotian Palace; "Jade Hall Treasures - Collection of Fine Works Exhibition" displays typical cultural relics with the most historical and ornamental value from various historical periods; "Cloud Clothing and Hairpin Shadows - Collection of Song and Ming Dynasty Clothing Exhibition" focuses on the exquisite clothing of the Song and Ming Dynasties. Visiting Information • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:00 (last entry at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays), free admission on the 10th of each month. • Ticket Price: 25 yuan, Nanjing Park annual pass is available, free or discounted policies are available for certain groups.