Laogai Museum

The Laogai Museum documents the Chinese labor camp system through uniforms, photographs, government documents, and goods manufactured by prisoners. The collection covers a specific period of modern Chinese history that remains unfamiliar to many people outside the region.

Harry Wu, who spent 19 years imprisoned in Chinese labor camps, founded the museum in 2008 to document the prison system. His personal experience led to an institution that brought this history to international audiences.

The exhibits feature firsthand accounts from those who lived through these camps alongside official records that document their experiences. Visitors encounter personal stories and authentic objects that make the system visible and human.

The museum sits in a residential area and is easy to reach on foot, though you should check ahead to confirm it is open before visiting. The space is small and a typical visit takes about an hour or two.

The museum preserves a broad collection of goods manufactured in these camps, many still bearing original labels and packaging. These material traces connect an abstract system directly to everyday products visitors may have encountered before.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: November 12, 2008

Official opening: November 12, 2008

Website: http://laogai.org

GPS coordinates: 38.91581,-77.04148

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46