The Palace Museum, a world cultural heritage site, is currently undergoing a careful and gradual transformation in its window replacement project. While the traditional paper windows have long been a symbol of historical authenticity, modern needs such as flood prevention, UV protection, and security require a more advanced solution. As a result, the museum has opted for a phased replacement of glass, rather than an immediate full-scale switch.
Experts within the industry remain divided on whether all the original paper windows should be replaced with glass or if some should be preserved to maintain historical integrity. Some argue that the original materials—bricks, tiles, and even paper—are part of the historical narrative and should not be altered without great caution. The authenticity of the Forbidden City must be protected at all costs, they say, as any change could compromise its historical value.
On the other hand, the structural challenges of replacing traditional paper with modern glass cannot be ignored. Paper windows were lightweight and did not impose significant stress on the wooden frames. However, new glass materials, while offering better protection, add weight and may strain the existing structures. To avoid damage, the Palace Museum is proceeding with caution, conducting extensive testing before making any permanent changes.
For example, the Chenggonggong and Yonghegong buildings have already undergone long-term trials with new glass types. Based on these results, the Qiankun Palace is now in the experimental phase of glass replacement. Before any changes are made, thorough data analysis and structural assessments are conducted to ensure the window frames can support the new materials safely.
Given the unique status of the Palace Museum, all glass replacement projects must go through rigorous approval processes. The cultural relics management department reviews each proposal, and additional expert discussions are held to ensure that every decision aligns with preservation standards.
Despite the careful approach, recent incidents—such as the breaking of the Qiankun Palace’s glass by bare hands—have highlighted the need for faster upgrades. “If the current tests are successful, the West 6th Palace area could be replaced within a year,†said Zhu Hongwen. “But the exact timeline depends on ongoing evaluations.â€
In addition to the window replacement, the Palace Museum is also upgrading its surveillance system. Due to limitations in the previous camera setup, which failed to capture critical moments during the glass-breaking incident, the museum plans to install high-definition cameras throughout the 100-hectare complex. This will ensure complete coverage, eliminating any “dead ends†in monitoring.
So far, 75% of the security renovation project has been completed, with most systems already operational. The remaining work is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, marking a significant step forward in both safety and preservation efforts.
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