A visitor takes photo of the exhibits at the cross-Straits arts and crafts museum in Xiamen on July 21. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

An art museum housing 500 artworks by artists from both sides of the Taiwan Straits opened in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, on July 21.

The museum integrates multiple functions, including preservation, research and development.

It has already planned six exhibitions for renowned artists and six exhibitions for the communication and promotion of excellent creators, according to the museum's manager.

The museum will also cooperate with universities and colleges to promote the research and protection of arts and crafts in Taiwan.

The museum was initiated by the Xiamen Cross-Straits Culture Art Conservation Foundation. The foundation has set up two funds of 30 million yuan ($4.36 million) and 50 million yuan for the high-quality development of cultural industries in Xiamen.