The plan for the Capital Museum, located in the Confucius Temple, was prepared in 1953. The museum formally opened in 1981. As a major cultural construction project in Beijing in the 10th Five-Year Plan, the new Capital Museum, approved by Beijing Municipal Government in 1999, further approved by the State Council after being submitted by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2001, finally commenced its construction in December 2001.

     Under the concern and guidance of Beijing Municipal Government, after four years of hard work, the museum finally makes its debut along the western extension of Changan Street, the First Street of China. With its magnificent architecture, abundant exhibitions, advanced technology and complete functions, the Capital Museum, large and modern, makes its contribution to the titles such as famous "historical and cultural city" ,"cultural center" and "international metropolis" of Beijing and ranks among the first class museums both at home and abroad.