Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum in Foshan

Overview

The Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum (广东粤剧博物馆) is a prominent cultural institution in Foshan (佛山), located within Zhaoxiang Park (兆祥公园) in the Chancheng District (禅城区). The museum’s main objective is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Cantonese opera (粤剧), a traditional form of Chinese opera that originated in Guangdong Province (广东省) and is renowned for its unique performance style, vocal techniques, and musical compositions.

Location

The museum is situated in a historic building, formerly the Zhaoxiang Huang Gong Temple (兆祥黄公祠), which was originally established in 1920 during the Republic of China era. This temple is a key part of the cultural heritage in Guangdong, with the museum occupying an area of approximately 3,000 square meters.

History and Development

Early History and Establishment

The Zhaoxiang Huang Gong Temple served as the precursor to the museum. The temple was built in the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920) and was designated a key cultural heritage site by the Guangdong provincial government. In 2003, the temple underwent renovation, and the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum was officially established on May 20, 2003. Originally named the Foshan Cantonese Opera Museum (佛山粤剧博物馆), it opened to the public on May 23, 2003. On April 2, 2004, the museum was renamed the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum to reflect its regional significance.

In 2007, the museum came under the management of the Chancheng District Museum (佛山市禅城区博物馆), after being transferred from the Foshan Cultural, Radio, Television, Press, and Publication Bureau (佛山市文化广电新闻出版局).

UNESCO Recognition

In 2005, the museum received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Preservation Award Honorary Award (联合国亚太地区文化遗产保护奖荣誉奖), recognizing its role in preserving and promoting Cantonese opera as part of the intangible cultural heritage of the region.

Further Honors and Recognition

In 2008, the museum was designated a Chinese Culture Inheritance Base (中华文化传承基地) by Guangdong Province (广东省), further solidifying its importance as a cultural landmark.

Architectural Layout

The museum’s architecture is designed in the traditional Lingnan (岭南) style, with three main halls arranged symmetrically in a courtyard layout. The building sits in a long rectangular shape, with the central axis featuring the main structures, including the entrance hall, bai ting (拜亭), main hall (中堂), and back hall (后堂). On either side of the central buildings are side rooms (厢房), which are connected by narrow passageways.

The entire structure is built with blue bricks (青砖) and slate flooring (石板铺地). It also features intricate carvings and sculptures, including wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings, as well as clay sculptures that reflect the aesthetic of Lingnan architecture.

Exhibitions and Displays

The museum showcases various exhibitions related to the history, art, and cultural significance of Cantonese opera. These exhibitions are divided into three primary sections:

  1. History (历史): The historical development of Cantonese opera from its origins to the present day.
  2. Art (艺术): The various artistic aspects of Cantonese opera, including performance styles, techniques, and stage design.
  3. People (人物): The prominent figures in Cantonese opera, such as famous actors, actresses, and directors.

The museum displays more than 3,000 pieces of valuable artifacts related to Cantonese opera. Some of these items include:

  • Cantonese opera scripts (粤剧剧本)
  • Wooden fish books (木鱼书)
  • Posters and broadsheets (海报)
  • Stage props, such as opera costumes (戏服) and theatrical bridges (戏桥)
  • Cantonese opera musical instruments (乐器)
  • Early Cantonese opera films and audio recordings (粤剧电影和唱片)
  • Photographs (剧照) of famous performances and artists

Notable Exhibits

  • Cantonese opera in Guangdong and Guangxi (两广粤剧发展)
  • The resurgence of Cantonese opera overseas (海外粤剧的振兴)
  • Famous Cantonese opera actors and actresses from the late Qing Dynasty to modern times (清末民初名伶及现代粤剧新锐)
  • Cantonese opera movies and records (粤剧电影和唱片)

Museum Features and Interactivity

The museum utilizes a combination of static and dynamic exhibits, offering an interactive experience for visitors. In addition to physical artifacts and documents, the museum incorporates multimedia technology, such as computerized on-demand systems where visitors can watch video clips of famous Cantonese opera performances.

Some exhibit rooms are equipped with large screens and high-definition projectors that allow guests to enjoy iconic scenes from various Cantonese operas. Additionally, there are live performances, such as traditional Foshan local performances (佛山私伙局), where local troupes showcase Cantonese opera skills.

Collections and Key Artifacts

The museum houses an extensive collection of more than 1,200 items, including:

  • Wooden Fish Books (木鱼书) – which are important historical texts related to Cantonese opera.
  • Embroidered Palace Costumes (白地绣银线宫装) – traditional costumes worn in major performances.

The museum’s collections are sourced from higher-level cultural heritage institutions, private donations, and purchases from private collectors. The museum is continuously expanding its collection, making it a major repository for Cantonese opera-related materials.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
  • Closed on Mondays and Chinese New Year’s Eve (除夕).

Admission

  • Free Admission (免费开放).

Location

  • Address: Zhaoxiang Park, Chancheng District, Foshan City (佛山市禅城区兆祥路兆祥公园黄公祠).

Transportation

  1. By Bus:

    • Routes: 104, 105, 117, 117B, 136, 139, Gui 26.
    • Get off at Zhaoxiang Park Station (兆祥公园站). Bus fare: 2 RMB.
    • Frequency: Buses 104, 105, 136, 139 every 7–12 minutes; Buses 117, 117B, Gui 26 every 15–18 minutes.
    • First and last buses: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
    • Walk to the park entrance from the bus stop.

  2. By Subway:

    • Line: Guangfo Line (广佛线).
    • Destination station: Pujun North Road Station (普君北路站), Exit E.
    • Frequency: Every 2–5 minutes.

Additional Services

The museum offers group tours with free guided services and has a small shop for souvenirs.

Contact Information

For more information about opening hours, exhibitions, and special events, please visit the official website or contact the museum directly.

Guangdong Cantonese Opera Museum is not just a place to learn about the past, but also an interactive space to appreciate and engage with the evolving art form of Cantonese opera (粤剧). It plays a crucial role in preserving a key cultural tradition while making it accessible to visitors worldwide.