Forbidden City controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile3 entries
2020
Vehicle access on closed day sparks controversy over cultural relic protection and privilege
In January 2020, netizens posted photos of driving into the Forbidden City on a closed day, sparking controversy over the vehicle ban, cultural relic protection, and event management. The Palace Museum confirmed the incident was true and apologized; the director subsequently explained that there were problems with reception and management of closed-day events, and relevant responsible personnel were suspended for inspection. This entry relates to Palace Museum management and does not treat the vehicle brand as the party at fault.
2011
Song dynasty Ge ware porcelain plate damaged by operational error; responsible persons disciplined
In July 2011, the Palace Museum's Song dynasty Ge ware celadon plate with mallow-petal rim was damaged during testing. An official investigation determined that a staff member's data-entry error caused the sample platform to rise too far and crush the porcelain; the directly responsible person received an administrative major demerit, and the head of the relevant department received an administrative warning. This entry does not involve the Palace Museum's cultural and creative merchandise.
2011
Exposure of planned private club at Jianfu Palace Garden sparks commercial operation controversy
In 2011, the Palace Museum's Jianfu Palace Garden was reported to be planned as a private club for the wealthy, sparking controversy over the commercialization of public cultural resources and operational oversight. The Palace Museum responded that the partner company had planned it without authorization and that it had not yet actually opened, stressing that it did not and could not become a private club. A Caixin investigation discussed the boundaries of partnership management; this entry retains the Palace Museum's clarification.