A national museum, Chinas Science and Technology Museum serves is a large institution for science education. With exhibition-based education, training-based education and experiment-based education as its main functions, the museum is dedicated to implementing the national strategy of rejuvenating China through science and education, disseminating knowledge of science and technology among the general public and increasing the scientific and cultural literacy of all citizens.
The construction of the museum was made possible by the concern and support of three generations Party and State leadership. With a planned total building area of more than 80,000 square meters, the entire museum occupies a land area of 5.8 hectares. Its first phase of construction of some 20,000 square meters, comprising 7,500 square meters of exhibition galleries, a 3,300 sq. m. A strovision Theater with 500 seats, an office building and other auxiliary facilities, was opened to the public in 1988. In May 2000 the museums major expansion projecta 23,000 sq. m. exhibition hallwas officially opened. The content of the new exhibition hall includes: aeronautics & astronautics, energy & communications, material science & mechanics, information technology, life science, environmental science and other modern high or new technologies and cutting-edge sciences. It presents basic sciences and their applications, as well as ancient Chinas preeminence in science and technology. Such content not only reflects the important fields of scientific and technological development in China, but also highlights new development trends in science and technology in the 21st Century.
In June 2001, the museum established a Childrens Science Paradise, for children aged 3-10. The Paradise is designed to develop childrens creative thinking and stimulate their interest in science and technology. It is an ideal place for children to learn through play.
To make it a world-class museum of science and technology and further enhance in functions and facilities, the State Development Planning Commission has agreed to undertake another expansion project--the third phase construction. Early completion of the construction of all phrases of the museum will facilitate the cause of science education and popularization in China. It will also enable the museum to better play its leading and exemplary role as a national museum of science and technology, so that it will truly become an important window on Chinas scientific, cultural and social developments and play a key role in Beings drive to become an international metropolis.
