Nanyue Celebrity Museum opened to the public on May 16, bringing another attraction to the city of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province.

The museum has taken decades to design and construct, with the first designs being drawn in 1985. It's the first museum to memorialize outstanding people that have made great contributions to southern Guangdong.

The museum is divided into ancient and modern sections, with 11 separated exhibition areas spread across the museum's 10,269-square-meter total construction area.

There are currently exhibitions for about 56 celebrities from different time periods.

According to Shao Zhanying, chief interior designer, the museum utilizes video, sculptures and audio devices to add extra entertainment elements and chances for interaction, in addition to traditional exhibition areas.

One highlight is the collection of 12 sculptures made from various materials, including marble, stainless steel and bronze.

"It took us one and half years to make the sculptures," said Chen Ke, professor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

The museum will be open for trial operations from Tuesday to Sunday each week between 9am to 5pm until May 31. During the trial period, the museum will make improvements according to public feedback before officially opening on Sept 1.

Chen Xiaodan, head of the promotion bureau of the Yuexiu district, expressed his congratulations and wishes that the innovative museum will give a boost to local tourism.

The Nanyue Celebrity Museum opens to the public on May 16. [Photo by Liang Wenxiang/southcn.com]

Visitors access detailed audio for descriptions of the exhibition. [Photo by Wang Yan/Guangzhou Daily]

A sculpture of Feng Zicai, a famous general of the Qing Dynasty [1644-1911]. [Photo by Liang Wenxiang/southcn.com]