On May 23, it was announced at the press conference for the "National Science and Technology Workers' Day" hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology that on May 30, the China Association for Science and Technology will hold the "Celebration of the National Science and Technology Workers' Day Main Event and the First Exhibition Ceremony of the Chinese Scientists Museum," officially opening the Chinese Scientists Museum to the public.
Located in the National Science and Technology Communication Center in the cultural complex of the Beijing Olympic Center area, the Chinese Scientists Museum is the world's first museum established for scientists under the name of a country. It integrates functions of "collection, preservation, research, exhibition, education, and promotion," aiming to showcase the image of Chinese scientists, promote the spirit of scientists, and create a national museum dedicated to the spirit of science and technology workers.
With the completion and opening of the National Science and Technology Communication Center in 2023, the physical construction of the Chinese Scientists Museum has entered the fast lane. The 3000-square-meter collection storage room and permanent exhibition hall serve as a space for permanent collection and display of historical materials, while the 7500-square-meter special exhibition hall can be used to host thematic exhibitions on scientists.
Approved by the State Council, the China Association for Science and Technology, in collaboration with 11 departments, has implemented the "Elderly Scientists' Academic Growth Data Collection Project." Over the past 15 years, academic growth data of 674 scientists have been collected, obtaining 147,000 physical original materials, 345,000 digital materials, 470,000 minutes of video materials, and 560,000 minutes of audio materials. These include precious historical materials such as letters, manuscripts, scientific instruments, works, audiovisual materials, and related artifacts and documents recording significant events in the development of Chinese science and technology. It has become the largest, most content-rich, and most diverse collection of precious historical materials of scientists in China. Leveraging the collected data, over 160 biographies and oral autobiographies of scientists have been published, along with over 160 thematic exhibitions and national tours, covering all provinces, regions, cities, and Hong Kong and Macao, exerting a wide influence in society, especially in the scientific community, and providing rich collection resources and a solid foundation for the construction of the Chinese Scientists Museum.
Meng Lingyun, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Communication Center of the China Association for Science and Technology, stated that the inaugural series of activities at the Chinese Scientists Museum include one main exhibition and five thematic exhibitions. The curated content complements and echoes each other, with a total exhibition area of 5000 square meters.
The main exhibition includes the "Backbone of the Republic" exhibition of the Chinese Scientists Museum's collection of fine works and the Elderly Scientists' Academic Growth Data Collection Project exhibition. Based on the first batch of research results of the "Elderly Scientists' Academic Growth Data Collection Project," it showcases over 190 scientists' 400 physical items, 400 precious images, and over 10 large exhibits provided by research units, covering a total exhibition area of 1900 square meters.
The five thematic exhibitions include "Xu Shengguo's Mighty Mountains and Rivers - Commemorating the Centenary of the Birth and Life of Deng Jiaxian," "Choice - The Original Intentions and Beliefs of Qian Xuesen Exhibition," "Return - Exhibition of Scientists Returning from the United States in the 1950s," "Craftsmen in the Country - Engineer Culture Exhibition in the Background of Industrial Heritage," and "Original Mountains and Rivers, Extreme Life of Plants - 20th Anniversary Special Exhibition of 'Flora of China.'"
According to Meng Lingyun, considering the unique attributes and characteristics of the Chinese Scientists Museum, the next step will focus on the six functions of "collection, preservation, research, exhibition, education, and promotion." Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on strengthening the construction of the scientists' museum system, organizing and driving national education bases for the spirit of scientists and related educational and research institutions, establishing a national alliance of scientists' museums, promoting the coordinated development of "physical museums, digital museums, and local museums," expanding to broader regions, a wider scope, and online spaces, effectively creating a favorable social atmosphere that respects science and advocates innovation.
