Shaanxi Art Museum (陕西省美术博物馆)
陕西省美术博物馆Shǎnxī Shěng Měishù Bówùguǎn
Free, central and rarely crowded — an air-conditioned art break
Entry
Free
Hours
Tue–Fri · 9:00
Time needed
1–2 hours
Metro
Line 2 · Tiyuchang (体育场)
The Shaanxi Provincial Museum of Fine Arts (陕西省美术博物馆), usually called the Shaanxi Art Museum, is the largest art museum in western China and a free, air-conditioned break from Xi'an's ancient sights. Opened in 2001 in a building by architect Zhang Jinqiu on Chang'an North Road, just south of the city wall, it has around 7,600 m² of galleries and a collection of Chinese ink painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, calligraphy, New Year prints and Shaanxi folk art, with a focus on modern and contemporary artists from Shaanxi and western China. Permanent displays of Shaanxi contemporary masters are joined by a busy programme of temporary shows, so it rewards a quick check of what's on. Entry is free, it is two minutes from Metro Line 2, and an hour is enough for most visitors.
Why visit
- Free, central and rarely crowded — a good counterweight to a day of tombs and pagodas
- Largest art museum in western China, focused on modern and contemporary Shaanxi art
- Folk art (paper-cuts, New Year prints) links to what you see in the Muslim Quarter and Yongxingfang
- Main venue for the Xi'an Silk Road international art exhibitions in some years
What's on display
- Long-running display of works by contemporary Shaanxi masters (second floor)
- Rotating temporary exhibitions of Chinese painting, calligraphy and photography
- Collection spans ink painting, oils, prints, sculpture, watercolour, rubbings and folk art
- Check the museum website/WeChat for current shows before you go
Practical tips
- Closed Mondays — like most Xi'an museums
- Allow 1–2 hours
- Next door to the Shaanxi Library and the provincial stadium; easy to pair with Xiaozhai and the Shaanxi History Museum
- Bring your passport in case a reservation or ID check is in force
Nearby
- Shaanxi History Museum and Xiaozhai shopping (one stop south on Line 2)
- Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (two stops north)
- South Gate of the City Wall (Yongningmen) further north on Line 2
Questions, answered
Is the Shaanxi Art Museum free?
Yes, general admission is free.
What are the Shaanxi Art Museum opening hours?
9:00–17:00 on weekdays (last entry 16:30) and 9:00–18:00 on weekends, holidays and school vacations; closed on Mondays except public holidays.
Is the Shaanxi Art Museum the same as the Xi'an Art Museum?
No. The Shaanxi Art Museum is on Chang'an North Road; the Xi'an Art Museum (西安美术馆) is a different venue inside Grand Tang Ever-Bright City in Qujiang.
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