Museum embraces modern role with greater youth appeal

Nestled in the heart of Liwan district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, the Cantonese Opera Art Museum stands as a vibrant testament to the soul of southern China's artistic heritage.

More than just a museum, it is a living showcase of the rich history and cultural significance of Cantonese Opera.

The museum is situated in the serene surroundings of a Lingnan-style garden, a classic southern Chinese landscape design harmoniously blending natural beauty with human artistry.

Visitors are welcomed by a landscape where pavilions, terraces and towers are thoughtfully arranged in a harmonious yet compact layout. The environment — rich with lush greenery, bamboo groves and shaded walkways — reflects the refined and graceful artistic essence of Cantonese Opera.

Since opening in 2016, the museum has become a cultural landmark, with a mission to promote and preserve Cantonese Opera. This traditional art form is renowned for its melodic tunes, vivid characters and dramatic storytelling, combining elements from local folk music and regional operatic styles.

The museum offers an immersive journey, inviting visitors to step into the very environment that nurtured Cantonese Opera. Each corner narrates the tale of how this art form transformed, adjusted, and flourished.

A significant moment in the museum's history came on Oct 24, 2018, when President Xi Jinping paid a visit. During his time there, he engaged in a heartfelt conversation with local enthusiasts, encouraging them to continue preserving and promoting the opera.

Zhang Rongling, the museum's director, notes that since its opening, the museum has attracted more than 10 million visitors, with a noticeable surge in younger audiences in recent years.

The museum is not just a space for passive viewing; it is a hub of cultural exchange.

Through a variety of exhibitions, live performances and educational programs, the museum plays a crucial role in preserving Cantonese Opera while making it accessible to new generations.

Hands-on educational activities, such as role-playing, costume-making, and face painting, often targeted at young people, help deepen visitors' understanding of Cantonese Opera, its cultural significance, and its connection to local history.

In January 2023, the museum took a bold step toward meeting the demands of modern visitors by extending its hours into the evening. Now open until 9 pm, it became the first museum in Guangzhou to offer regular nighttime access, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Cantonese Opera under the stars.

The museum also partners with professional and private troupes from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to host three daily performances.

These performances provide an immersive experience, allowing the public to witness the artistry of Cantonese Opera.