The grand opening ceremony of the Sun Yat-sen University Museum took place on the evening of November 9, 2024, as part of the university’s centennial celebrations. The museum, located on Guangzhou south campus, opened its doors to the public in a spectacular ceremony attended by university officials, local leaders and experts. The event marked the beginning of a new era for both the university and the museum.

The opening ceremony began with an impressive light show, which used architectural projections to tell the story of the museum's development and the university’s enduring cultural mission.

The Light Show at the opening ceremony

In his address, Gao Song, president of Sun Yat-sen University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reflected on the institution’s long-standing commitment to practical education, emphasizing the museum's role in advancing pedagogical reform. He highlighted the museum’s innovative curatorial approach and its significance in both education and research. Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its cultural exchange programs and providing high-quality educational services to the broader public.

Gao Song, president of Sun Yat-sen University, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the museum is the special gift from the city of Chengjiang in Yunnan province. To commemorate the university’s historic connection to Chengjiang during the war of resistance against Japan, the Chengjiang government donated a unique fossil wall and 15 fossil specimens of Chengjiang biota. This 7-meter-long display showcases fossils from the Cambrian period, symbolizing the deep historical ties between the university and the local community.

Sun Yat sen University gives acknowledgements to Chengjiang.

Chengjiang donates Paleontological Fossils to Sun Yat-Sen University Museum.

Sun Yat-Sen University gives presents to Chengjiang.

The Sun Yat-sen University Museum is designed as a “teaching museum,” breaking traditional boundaries between exhibits and the classroom. The museum’s inaugural exhibitions include the Ceramic Teaching Gallery and the Life and Health Teaching Gallery, curated by nearly 100 faculty members from more than 10 departments. These spaces are intended to enhance both educational and visitor experiences by integrating hands-on learning with immersive displays.

Zhu Kongjun, secretary of the CPC Committee of Sun Yat sen University and Professor Chen Chunsheng is experiencing the interactive display.

An overview of the Ceramic Teaching Gallery

Specimen Wall

Life and Health Teaching Gallery

In addition to the teaching galleries, the museum’s first-floor exhibitions feature artifacts on ancient Chinese civilization, Lingnan history, and Southwest ethnic cultures, reflecting Sun Yat-sen University’s pioneering contributions to anthropology, archaeology, and historical studies.

Professor Liu Zhiwei is presenting to university leaders and guests.

To prioritize access for faculty, students, and alumni, these groups will be given first priority for reservations. The public can scan the following QR code to book their visits to the museum, history museum, former residence, and other campus venues.

Scan the code for reservations.