Founded in 1960 and originally located in the national historic landmark, Zhong Wang Fu palace complex, Suzhou Museum has been a highly-regarded regional museum with a number of significant Chinese cultural relics. A new museum designed by world famous architect I.M.Pei was completed in October 2006.
"...channels of water crisscrossing the granite wall, tumbling down as a pool. Chinese water mazes are usually horizontal, allegedly designed to transport floating cups of wine to poets composing poems.." [Architects Review Oct 2007]
Jumble of carefully placed geometric shapes, each gallery is self-contained, garden courtyards are visible along passageways, framed though hexagonal windows or glass walls. The original palace, Prince Zhong's mansion built in the 1860s served as the museums original home and remains integral to Peis design of the neighbouring new building. Interior courtyards, pools and trees. Cubist forms stark against meticulously planted trees and bamboos. Nature an integral part of Pei's design. No clear divide between interior and exterior spaces.
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