The preparation for building the National Museum is scheduled to start this year, involving site selection and design, according to an official with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Zhang Wenbin, director of the administration, said that the central government has approved the project.

Zhang said that his administration has put the preparation work on its annual agenda. During the period of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2001-2005), design of the museum will open to a public bid and the result of the appraisal will be publicized. The construction work is due to start in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan ( 2006-2010).

The National Museum is to house a complex involving ancient history, modern and contemporary history, ethnic nationalities, folk customs, arts, painting and international exchange.

According to the director, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution to the east of the Tiananmen Square has served as the country's national museum since its completion in 1959.

However, the inadequate and out-of-date facilities are now no longer able to keep the 500,000 items housed there in good conditions.