Palace Museum to get slightly less forbidden for public

All administrative departments and scientific research institutes inside the Palace Museum will be moved off-site by 2016, in a bid to open more space to the public.

The move could bring more security challenges, experts warned.

Shan Jixiang, the head of the museum, announced Saturday that an integrated protection plan for the museum is already underway, the Beijing Times reported yesterday.

"After all the departments and organizations are relocated, these areas will open to the public during the day, and be an enclosed space for security management at night, which is our short-term goal," Shan said at a forum to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of national historical and cultural cities in Beijing.

After the new round of repairs, the museum will increase the amount of space open to the public from 30 percent to 76 percent. Longzong Gate, the Palace of Benevolent Peace, the Palace of Longevity and Good Health on the western side of the museum will open in the near future.

"If all the research, office and service personnel within the walls are removed by 2016, it will leave room to exhibit valuable cultural relics," said Liu Zheng, a member of the China Cultural Relics Association.

A number of ancient buildings outside the walls are undergoing restoration to rehouse the offices and research institutes.

However, further opening the museum will also pose security complications, especially after a series of scandals last year.

"Safety, especially fire prevention, is always the priority. The museum has increased investment in security improvements, such as introducing more advanced equipment and systems," Liu said.

According to Shan, the current security system was put into use in 1998, and has not been updated. The new system will be complete by 2014.