It is now one of the 100,000 items the museum has collected since it opened in 1963.(Photo/Xinhua)

"A lot has changed here, not only with the amenities, but also in terms of the content- it’s more diverse now...Before, we to needed to buy an entrance ticket. Now it’s all free, and we can come and go as we please."

Aside from the archives, the event also presents additions to previously exhibited material. The museum currently displays art, including traditional Chinese painting, oil paintings, etched plates and sculptures as well as personal paraphernalia from artists. Rare masterpieces by Chinese artists and acquisitions from foreign maestros also feature. This will all become the basis for a permanent collection at a state-of-the art new museum currently in the pipeline.

“Our future goal is to making museum part of people’s lifestyle. Our economy is developing rapidly, so we have to provide the aesthetic nutrient for that growth. In the west, going to museums is primary activity for weekends and holidays. We hope with a diversified program, we can bring more people to the museums,” said Fan Di’an, Museum Director of National Arts Museum of China.

The 50 year anniversary exhibition runs from May 18 to July 8 for those needing their fix of art and also a personal history of contemporary China.