The International Museum Day falls on May 18 this year, with the theme "Museums Uniting a Divided World". For the occasion, the CTCM is presenting a program of exhibitions and activities that shows its role as a cultural bridge to the public.

Opening arrangements

The museum will be open as usual on May 18 (Monday), from 9 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. Admission that day is by real-name reservation in timed slots, and bookings may be made up to seven days in advance. Visitors aged over 70, active-duty military personnel and people with disabilities may be assisted at the ticket service centre at the southeast entrance on presentation of valid identification. On the day, visitors should bring the valid ID used for the booking or the booking QR code, enter through security at the reserved time, and cooperate with identity checks at the entrance.

Exhibitions on view

Time: April 21 - August 31, 2026

Location: Hall 1-2, 1/F

Time: January‌ 20 - June 1, 2026

Location: Corridor exhibition hall, 4/F

Time: Permanent exhibition

Location: Hall 7-10, 5/F

Time: 2025.9.26 - now

Location: Corridor exhibition hall, 6/F

Time: 2026.5.16 - 2026.5.26

Location: Outer corridor of the multifunctional hall, 1/F

Live-stream tour

On May 18, the museum will hold a live-streamed tour to the Exhibition of Qinghai Silk Road Artifacts and Qutan Temple Murals, which opened recently, bringing together 84 selected precious artifacts from Qinghai province and 113 copies of the murals of Qutan Temple, and presenting the region’s long history and distinctive artistic heritage.

Free guided tours

From May 15 to May 18, the CTCM will offer free guided tours, inviting visitors to explore the objects on display and experience their appeal. Details can be found in the announcement at the information desk on the north side of the museum, and visitors are advised to wait at the starting point of the relevant gallery in advance. Should a tour's length change or the guide be replaced at short notice, the notice board at the information desk on the day will be authoritative.