BEIJING, CHINA.- Ratified by the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments concerned, the revamping project of NMC will formally start in April 2007. The western, southern and northern sides of the museum will be consolidated, renovated and repaired while being preserved as an integrated whole. A new part will be inset in the middle and extends eastward, maintaining the same architectural style as the original. Slightly greater than the original in architectural volume, it will look more imposing with different heights.

When completed, the NMC will cover 192,000 square meters in floor space, the largest of its kind in the world.

When the revamping project is completed, the NMC will be the supreme hall of culture and art for the Chinese nation in the 21st century. As a window showcasing the long history and brilliant culture and art of the Chinese nation, it will be a comprehensive museum that will feature a more forward-looking vision, a concept in better line with the development of the era, the latest theory of museology, the latest cultural relics collection, preservation and research means, the most advanced display mode and the most reliable cultural relics security and safeguarding measures. Audience first, it will stand out as a leisurely and comfortable place for the public, giving equal attention to history and art.

Grasping the revamping project as an opportunity, the NMC will strive to build first-grade museum buildings, train elite personnel and increase the wealth of collections. Efforts will be made to achieve the leading professional level and high profile academic status both at home and abroad. By the 100th anniversary of its establishment in 2012, the NMC is expected to become the best museum in China and one of the best in the world.