Shan Jixiang, curator of the Palace Museum (File photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- The Forbidden City in Beijing, also known as the Palace Museum, is planning to open up approximately 85 percent of its space to visitors and move half of its staff out of the compound amid an ambitious makeover, said Shan Jixiang, the curator of the museum.
The Forbidden City made it clear in its 2013-2015 protection plan that the current location of its administration office, in a site of ancient architectural significance, is hindering the protection as well as development of cultural relics.
Shan said on Sunday that the aim is to make more than 85 percent of the space in the complex of ancient buildings, which once served as the emperor's residence and was the heart of imperial Chinese rule, accessible to the general public.
He also said 750 staff members at the site, about half of all staff, will be relocated to other places, including near the Gate of Divine Might, the northern gate of the Forbidden City.
The museum also plans to hold an exhibition of tens of thousands of foreign relics it has collected. Another exhibition showcasing archaeological findings in the palace is also scheduled for this year.
The palace houses more than 6,000 pieces of furniture from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. However, more than 80 percent are not accessible to the public.
Shan said an exhibition of 2,400 pieces of furniture is also planned, and will include some treasured items.
