News

World’s second-largest wine museum set for 2024 opening in Beijing

20 September 2022 By Christian Smith

A joint project between the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux and China, the gargantuan Universal Wine Museum in Beijing is set to open its doors to the public in 2024.

The Universal Wine Museum is not intended to serve as a replica of the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux, its predecessor, but as a space adapted to Chinese culture and public habits.

As Philippe Massol, General Manager of the Cité du Vin, told actuBordeaux, “In Bordeaux, although our customers come from all over the world, a large part of them are French, and have a wine culture different from that of the Chinese.”

The adjustments will see a museum that is less “technical” in its approach, while still retaining its links to the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux.

“We want to build long-term links, exhibitions, workshops, conferences that could be given here and broadcast there”, Massol said.

The Universal Wine Museum will span some 18,000 m² upon its completion, making it the second-largest wine museum in the world.

“The works have started and the construction schedule foresees the end of the major works in December 2023, with an opening which we hope for in May 2024, if there are no unforeseen events,” Jean-Marc Menant, director of the project.

According to plans 3500 m² of space will be used for permanent exhibitions; the titles, “from vine to the wine”, “history of wine”, “wine in the world”, “wines and essences” and “the art of living wines”.

A huge space has been set aside for wine retail, while a 450-seat lecture theatre will play host to educational talks.

Construction is expected to be completed late in 2023, and The Universal Wine Museum is set to open in 2024.

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