The Beijing Diabolo Museum, nestled within a traditional Siheyuan on the west side of the South Square of Baoguo Temple, imbues the ancient art of diabolo playing and crafting with a sense of historical weight and distinctive Beijing charm. The museum is organized into three main exhibition halls, each offering a unique perspective on the diabolo’s rich history and cultural significance.
The main room, or the north room, functions as a comprehensive exhibition hall. Here, visitors can explore the development and evolution of the diabolo, observe the changes in crafting techniques, and learn about the various tricks that have been employed throughout its history. This hall is a testament to the craftsmanship and technical prowess required to master the diabolo, with a vast collection of artifacts, literature, and historical photos on display.
To enrich the visitor experience, the museum has enlisted the expertise of Diabolo Master Li Lian yuan, who leads a team of volunteers from the Guangnei Street Diabolo Team. These dedicated guides offer explanations and insights to visitors during morning and afternoon sessions, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the diabolo’s cultural heritage.
The west wing of the Siheyuan is dedicated to the Heritage and Conservation Exhibition Hall. This space comprehensively documents the contributions and efforts of the Guangnei Street Office in promoting the diabolo culture. It showcases their work in building theme squares, publishing literature, engaging in educational outreach, and their participation in the memorable opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
In contrast, the east wing of the Siheyuan is alive with activity as the live demonstration and interactive exhibition hall. Here, the museum has thoughtfully relocated the equipment necessary for making diabolo—small lathes, tools, and workbenches—to the exhibition space. This move allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the entire process of crafting a diabolo and offers them the opportunity to actively participate in its creation, making for a truly immersive and interactive experience.The facility is open all year round. It is closed all day on Mondays. On Tuesdays to Sundays, it is open from 09:30 to 16:00.
