The Suzhou Museum

Originally opened in 1960, the Suzhou Museum’s collection of art and objects was originally housed in the adjacent residence of Prince Zhong, a high-ranking official in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. In October 2006, the new structure designed by I.M. Pei whose family hails from Suzhou, opened as the new showplace for the collection.
The museum structure itself is a derivation of a traditional courtyard and garden. The modern take on this classical style is striking and not altogether appealing. It is not until the visitor tours the museum that he can appreciate the combination of indoor and outdoor space, the hand-selected trees and rocks from Mr. Pei himself, and the use of natural light to accentuate both the works of art and the gardens.

The museum is adjacent to both the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the former residence of Prince Zhong.

The museum’s collection on display is quite small which makes it, to this guide, very manageable. You won’t be overwhelmed with sheer volume. Instead, the curators did a wonderful job of selecting few but interesting items and exhibiting them in small collection rooms. The pieces are documented in both Chinese and English and and both audio and group tours are available.

• Hu Qiu Pagoda Treasures
• Rui Guang Pagoda Treasures
• Neolithic Pottery & Jade
• Spring & Autumn Period Bronzes and Jades
• Celadon & Yue Wares
• Zhang & Wang Tomb Relics
• Ming Scholar’s Study
• Porcelain
• Jades
• Bamboo, Wood & Ivory Carvings
• Scholar’s Accoutrements
• Scholar’s Collectibles
• Folk Artcrafts
• Embroidery/Tapestry
• Song Pavilion
• Contemporary Art Galleries
• Special Exhibitions
• Wu Paintings & Calligraphy
  Services:
  • Information Desk
  • Audio Tours
  • Group Tours (available by special request)
  • Coat Check
  • Museum Shop
  • Tea House
  • Library
  • Wheelchair Access
  Essentials:
  
  Address: 204 Dong Bei Jie, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

  Website: www.szmuseum.com

  Hours of operation: 9am-5pm (no entry after 4pm)

  The Museum with Kids:
  
  I think little ones might really enjoy this small museum. The space is open enough for scampering kids and strollers. Most exhibits are on the ground floor and while toilets are on lower levels, there are lifts. It's quick enough to get through, that even if your kids just run through, you'll be able to see most of the displays. Be sure to stop into the Folk Artcrafts room to see the miniatures, likely a favorite with small ones as well as the koi pond in the garden outside. They'll also enjoy the Song Pavilion, a wooden replica of a Song Dynasty garden pavilion.
  Guide Comments & Tips:
  • Be sure to stop into the Museum Shop after your visit. In China, museum gift shops are some of the best places to find unique gifts as well as tasteful souvenirs that you can't necessarily find out in the tourist shops. The Suzhou Museum store is full of great items: whimsical kites for children, gorgeous jewelry, unique t-shirts and my favorite - an eight-piece set of cutlery especially for eating crab!

  • Try to go on a sunny day (not that you can be sure of that!) but my touring partner and I decided that the museum architecture might be more friendly with a blue sky behind it. Don't be put off by my opinion of the exterior - go and make your own judgment. And I must add, the inside and the gardens more than made up for my feelings about the exterior. The use of natural light coming in through the skylights set off the collections better than spotlights could ever do. Behind many corners, geometric windows shed dappled light through bamboo stands or a singular tree on a unique Chinese treasure.

  • Spend some time in the courtyard garden. There's a lovely koi pond full of orange, yellow and red fish that will delight any small visitors you have along. The rock display is also interesting. Inspired by a classic Chinese painting, I.M. Pei hand-selected the rocks and had the cut to give the impression of mountain peaks floating in the clouds.