Hope for private-run museums
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Guanfu Museum, the only financially viable private museum in China, now faces an impending demolition due to city planning. |
China's first private museum faces demolition
In 1996, Ma Weidu, a famous writer and collector, set up Guanfu Museum, China's first private-run museum. During its 14-year history, it had to relocate three times. Now it looks as if it will have to find a new home once again, as it's been slated for demolition as part of a city-planning project for the Dashanzi area in Chaoyang District.
According to Beijing News, a Guanfu security guard said that the museum will relocate by the end of the year. However, Ma denied this immediately and said in the next three to five years, the museum will remain in this area until the new site is ready.
Responding to this, some media have suggested Guanfu would impede progress, but Ma said he has no intention of hindering the government plan.
"I only hope to find a new, convenient location in a pleasant environment before demolition," Ma said.
