Abstract: Curved beams are widely used in space engineering,mechanical engineering and civil engineering. Due to the coupling of flexureand torsion, the research on curved beams is difficult ascompared with that on straight beams. Some recent advances of researchon curved beamsare reviewed in this paper. Based on a discussion on equilibriumequations, strain-displacement relations and governing equations ofcurved beams, a summary of basic static theories and dynamic theories, andmodeling methods for curved beams, and in-plane vibrations and out-planevibrations is given in this paper. In addition, thenonlinear problems and the finite element methods for curved beams,and recent advances of research on curved composite beams are alsoreviewed. Then, the nonlinear equations of motion are given. Finally, thepromising future developments in this area arediscussed.