Suzhou Museum, designed by celebrated architect I. M. Pei, lies next door to the Humble Administrator’s Garden in the old town of Suzhou and is very popular with both domestic and foreign visitors. However, the museum’s capacity for hosting exhibitions is also restricted by its location.
Thus, the construction of a new museum kicked off. The West Branch boasts a floorage of 48,365 square meters with 13,391 square meters for exhibitions, which is almost four times the size of Suzhou Museum.
The West Branch is scheduled to be opened to the public during this year’s National Day holiday (October 1 to 7). Here are some details of the branch that you may want to know.
Architectural Design
Designed by GMP Architects, the branch museum has inherited Pei’s design philosophy -- the renewal of both traditional Chinese style and local Suzhou flavor – but has a more fashionable and modern feel.
With the general design inspiration coming from the alleys and lanes in the city’s old town, the whole complex is made up of ten buildings which are interconnected by glass corridors.
Current Progress
Currently, the project’s civil construction has been completed; the installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, the internal and external decoration and the exhibition construction is underway.
Among others, 80 percent of the installation work, 70 percent of the external curtain wall and 30 percent of the internal decoration has been finished. The exhibition construction work and the information infrastructure work are being pushed forward concurrently and some exhibition and display facilities have initially taken shape.
There are a huge number of workers on the construction site. Entering from the west entrance (the main entrance to the museum after opening), you can see the grand hall that is just taking shape. The hollowed-out hall has some holes on the top and on the walls to make sure there is abundant natural daylighting.
Function and Orientation
The branch museum will be centered on public education and strive to become the country’s first museum-based school. It will combine school education with social education in Suzhou and complement with each other.
The venue will mainly host exhibitions themed on Suzhou’s general history, handicrafts, international arts, exploration and experience, etc.
It can also serve as an exhibition center for cultural and creative products, a multifunctional bookstore, a restaurant and an artistic installation.
