Abstract: As a typical tensioned flexible system, membrane structures have a set of unique analysis theory compared to that of the traditional rigid structures. The features and some special problems of the analysis theory of membrane structures are stated firstly. Then the development of the analysis theory of membrane structures is introduced from three aspects, form-finding analysis, loading effects analysis and cutting pattern design. Some typical methods of these three aspects are focused on. Next, some hot spot issues on the study of membrane structures are discussed, including the numerical simulation of wrinkling, the multi-objective shape-state optimization, the accurate surface-forming based on the integration of form finding and patterning analysis, and the wind-induced vibration analysis with the consideration of wind-structure interactions. Prospects on the development of the analysis theory of membrane structures are proposed finally.