Museums as Age-Friendly Social Infrastructure

The population of China is aging, and the expectations for architectural heritage museums are changing. This critical review explores museums that present Chinese architectural heritage as public social infrastructure for older visitors. This literature-based synthesis examines patterns and tensions across sources without directly measuring visitor experience. The methodology combines structured searches of Scopus and Web of Science with supplementary policy documents, museum materials, and sources identified through citation tracing. The review is structured around four questions: What makes these museums socially meaningful for older adults? How do interpretation and whole-journey services facilitate or limit age-friendly access? When do digital heritage tools expand access or add new burdens? How can these literatures be structured into a framework across exhibitions, routes, services, participation, and public value? The review connects interpretation, accessibility, aging, digital heritage, participation, and public value. It argues that access to protected heritage environments is shaped not only by physical and financial provisions, such as ramps, lifts, and discounted fares, but also by conservation constraints, curatorial decisions, staff practices, digital choices, and older adults’ situated knowledge and memories. This review proposes a six-dimensional framework for museum audits and future empirical validation, adapting age-friendly and universal design principles to settings where protected historic fabric constrains physical modification.