A traditional exterior can house a world of contemporary works within. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang]

In terms of art in China, many people may not realize that the traditional-looking National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) would be one of the premier locations to find cutting edge contemporary art. But NAMOC has certainly undeniably made a reputation at doing so.

In 2008, NAMOC staked out new territory by exhibiting the Synthetic Times show, which has now grown into the recurring triennial show New Media Art. New Media Art showcases dozens of artists' work which blurred the lines between technology, art and the individual. The works displayed may not be "art" as people usually expect it to be, but the show's high-tech and interactive works were a particular hit with children and adults alike. New Media Art 2014 is much anticipated.

Of course, NAMOC still pays full respect to traditional arts and cultural relics. Traditional arts sometimes take up the majority of the exhibition hall space. But in part because of this, NAMOC has become one of the most influential art sites in China.

Millions and millions of Chinese citizens have had zero previous experience with contemporary art. Millions and millions of Chinese come to visit the country's capital. In Beijing, they visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. And a large number of them also venture through the doors of NAMOC to view traditional art.

In NAMOC, they may enjoy viewing calligraphy of the highest caliber and the most delicate watercolor paintings. But turning just one corner, they may face an arc of 99 wolves streaming through the room, smashing into a glass wall. This particular installation by Cai Guo-Qiang has also been displayed in New York and Berlin's Guggenheim museums.

The main mission of NAMOC today is to promote, display and collect Chinese contemporary artistic works. With access to federal funds, NAMOC can display the masters of contemporary art, despite complicated setups.

Exhibition halls have been transformed into a maze of walls which light up when touched or a waterway with boats in it. Also notable was when the Culture Chanel exhibition employed the use of iTouches to provide visitors with information about exhibits that delved into Madame Chanel's manifold artistic inspirations.

Although NAMOC has a strong Chinese focus, it also actively fosters relations with other international museums and galleries. Last year's Culture Chanel and the Contemporary Art Exhibition of Hungary both showed the kind of international exhibitions Namoc can hold. September 28th, NAMOC will hold its fifth Beijing Iinternational Biennale. The theme of this show will be Future and Reality.

Plans are currently underway for NAMOC to relocate over to the Olympic Green area. It will be housed in a completely new modern structure, underlining the museum's mission to promote contemporary arts. But in the meantime, don't be deceived by NAMOC's traditional exterior. A world of new ideas can still be found within.

National Art Museum of China

Entrance: Free, but bring your passport or ID.

Address: 1 Wusi Dajie, East District, Beijing. Just east of the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park.