As a university museum, the Art Museum plays an active role in teaching. The exhibits and collection provide firsthand material for the study of Chinese history and culture. Close ties are maintained with the Fine Arts Department, particularly in contributing to the teaching of the art history courses and in arranging special viewing sessions.

Moreover, the Art Museum is the training ground in museum practice for fine arts students, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, it provides a venue for the fine arts graduation exhibition held every year in May and June.