The newly renovated National Museum of China mirrors the country's peaceful rise, according to Zhu Linyong.

Top and above: The newly renovated National Museum of China has held more than 50 large-scale exhibitions over the past year. One of the latest shows is Chinese Sculptures in 100 Years. Photos by Jiang Dong / China Daily

A 2.5 billion yuan ($393 million) renovation project has turned the National Museum of China into the world's largest museum. And since the trial opening in March 2011 it has captivated the public. "It has quickly become a new, cultural icon and key attraction for tourists to the Chinese capital, thanks to its brand-new look, enlarged and re-engineered structures, rich exhibits and services that keep upgrading," says museum director Lu Zhangshen. The museum celebrated its 100th birthday on Monday.

"We're trying our best to put it among the world's best museums," Lu says.

The renovation and expansion project was in answer to calls to better present the country's history over the last century, as the country's influence continues to grow.

The museum began soliciting bids for plans from international architects in 2004. Ten projects were short-listed.

Approval was given to a plan from the Institute of Building Design under the Chinese Academy of Building Research and the German design company Gerkan, Marg and Partners.

"There were inevitable arguments and differences among Chinese experts, officials and foreign architects," recalls Wang Jun, director of Institute of Building Design.

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For instance, the German company proposed covering the existing building's courtyard with a "floating" bronze roof to create an interior public square. But that idea was nixed.

"Our exchanges were open and direct," Gerkan, Marg and Partners architect Stephan Schuetz says.

"Different cultural backgrounds generate different views on the same subject. But we all felt it was not an obstacle to this project."