The evolution of organisational structures in Chinese museums

Foreign Concepts and Local Practices

Bibliographic Data

ID5906131
AuthorsBin Wang (0000-0002-8591-8528, Shandong University), Wang Bin (0000-0001-8184-7788, Shandong University), Kai Yin (0000-0003-3797-4549, Shandong University, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume41
Issue3
Pages1-18
Publication date2025-10-06
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMuseum Management and Curatorship (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0964-7775 • E-ISSN: 1872-9185
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09647775.2025.2562850
OpenAlexW4414881130
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited17

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the organisational structures of museums have undergone continuous transformation in response to shifting political, economic, and social contexts. However, few studies have systematically examined the background, processes, and impacts of these changes. This article traces the historical development of organisational structures in Chinese museums, focusing on three key models: (1) the three-department system (Sanbuzhi), which emerged during the socialist period under Soviet influence; (2) the curatorial director system (Yewu zhuguanzhi), established during the Reform and Opening-up period through the adoption of American concepts; and (3) the exhibition curator system (Cezhanren zhidu), developed from local practices during the free admission era. Adopting a long-term research perspective, this paper explores the interaction between foreign concepts and local practices in the museum sector, as well as the new developments in Chinese museums driven by this interaction

China · Organisational change · Organizational structure · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Cultural Industries and Urban Development · Museums and Cultural Heritage

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