China Qinqiang Museum in Lanzhou

The Qinqiang Museum (秦腔博物馆) is located in the Jinchengguan Scenic Area (金城关风情区) in Lanzhou (兰州), Gansu Province (甘肃省). It officially opened on January 21, 2010. The museum is categorized as an art museum and is dedicated to the preservation and display of Qinqiang, one of China’s oldest forms of traditional opera.

Museum Features and Collections

The Qinqiang Museum is divided into 13 main sections, including areas dedicated to the history of Qinqiang opera, famous figures in Qinqiang, and various related artistic expressions. The museum showcases numerous exhibits such as original Qinqiang performances, wax figures of Qinqiang celebrities, small shadow puppetry displays, and more. Key sections include:

  • Qinqiang Music and Art Characteristics

  • Qinqiang History and Legacy

  • Education and Training Institutions for Qinqiang

  • Qinqiang Operas and Performances

  • The Role of Qinqiang in Modern Theaters

  • Famous Figures in Qinqiang History

  • The Peak of Qinqiang Development

  • Western Qinqiang and Longju Opera

  • Qinqiang Puppet and Shadow Puppetry

The museum has a collection of 387 items, primarily consisting of Qinqiang opera scripts, steel-stamped opera texts, masks, old magazines, opera tickets, performance leaflets, hand-drawn costumes, and complete puppet theater sets. Additionally, it displays ancient figurines from the Tang Dynasty (唐代), cut-out art on theatrical themes, stamps, and crafts, as well as old photographs documenting the significant historical events in Chinese opera.

Important Events and Exhibits

On August 7, 2023, the Qinqiang Museum in Lanzhou announced that it would be open every Monday, a significant move to allow greater accessibility to the public. The museum’s exhibits include valuable artifacts such as early Qinqiang opera scripts and performances, masks used in the opera, as well as rare historical documents and memorabilia related to the art form. Visitors can also experience interactive displays and performances, with particular focus on engaging the audience in the learning process.

Development and Layout

The preparation for the museum began in March 2007 when the Lanzhou Bureau of Cultural Relics (兰州市文物局) officially started planning its construction. The museum’s design and layout aim to combine traditional exhibits with modern technology. The venue has 13 main sections, which explore various aspects of Qinqiang, including:

  • The evolution of Qinqiang

  • The influence of Qinqiang on Chinese theater

  • Qinqiang music and its unique characteristics

  • The role of Qinqiang in regional and national culture

  • Qinqiang shadow puppetry and puppet performances

The venue incorporates modern multimedia elements, using sound, light, and electric technologies to create an immersive experience for visitors.

Historical Significance and Value

At the opening forum, Ji Guoping (季国平), Vice Secretary of the Chinese Theatre Association (中国剧协) and Secretary-General, expressed his excitement about the museum’s creation. He emphasized that the establishment of the Qinqiang Museum in Lanzhou would be of profound significance to Qinqiang artists and theater professionals nationwide, especially for the preservation of Qinqiang culture. He stated, “The museum’s creation is not only about preserving Qinqiang relics but also safeguarding this regional cultural treasure for future generations. It provides a place for the public to explore, study, and appreciate Qinqiang.”

The Director of the Lanzhou Cultural Publishing Bureau, Fan Wen (范文), also highlighted the importance of Qinqiang as a cultural symbol of the northwest region of China. He noted that the museum serves as a long-awaited project for cultural workers in Lanzhou and the wider northwest region.

Cultural Activities and Exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts performances and cultural events such as Qinqiang opera festivals and exchanges between local and national theater troupes. For instance, during the opening ceremony, visitors were able to enjoy performances by the Xian Easy Opera Society (西安易俗社), the Xining Drama Troupe (西宁市戏剧团), and the Lanzhou Opera Theatre (兰州市戏曲剧院).

The Future of Qinqiang Culture

As the Qinqiang Museum continues to grow and evolve, it will remain a key hub for preserving, showcasing, and revitalizing Qinqiang opera. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and the inclusion of traditional forms of opera, the museum aims to create an engaging space for visitors to not only learn about the history of Qinqiang but also experience its vibrant performances and cultural significance. The museum’s establishment contributes to the cultural heritage of the northwest and offers a comprehensive view of this ancient and storied art form.