Beijing Opera Art's College was initiated and cofounded by Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) in 1952 and was headed by a number of Peking Opera masters, including Ma Lianliang (1901-66). Besides Peking Opera, the school also trains performers of other kinds of traditional Chinese operas, such as Quju and Pingju.

The school is also home to 22 winners of the Plum Performance Award, the highest award for traditional Chinese theatrical art.

During the opening gala, over 40 veteran artists, who graduated from the school, performed with the students.