The “Cross-shaped” Value System is hereby formulated to value natural history museums. The “Cross-shaped” value system seems the coordinate system with vertical axis and horizontal axis. The vertical axis, long and narrow, indicates the level of research and education function. The horizontal axis, short and wide, indicates the level of exhibition and service function. The cross point of the coordinate seems a core of critical elements for the museum construction, including essential collections, personnel, fund, and etc. The “Cross-shaped” value system can be used to explain the function of natural history museums under different development stage, and promote the science popularization management on the basis of “4P” principle.

natural history museums  /  value system  /  science popularization  /  “4P” principle