Suzhou Museum

Suzhou Museum which includes interior views
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Set in an innovative I. M. Pei building, this museum has a small yet impressive collection of art and artifacts, including prehistoric pottery.

The Suzhou Museum houses an exquisite collection of ceramics, wood carvings, jade, textiles, paintings and calligraphy. The modern building was designed as a contemporary reimagining of a traditional courtyard and garden. Admire the museum’s unique design and fine exhibits, which beautifully reflect the history and culture of Suzhou and the surrounding region.

The museum’s original 1960 collection was housed in the nearby residence of Prince Zhong. In 2006, the current building was designed by modern architect I. M. Pei. The structure creates a fascinating juxtaposition between indoor and outdoor space, as well as the modern and the traditional. As you explore, notice how its design uses natural light to emphasise the artwork and gardens.

The museum includes three floors and four exhibition halls, with the main buildings surrounded by gorgeous courtyards. Look for prehistoric pottery, jade and bronze vessels in the underground exhibition hall, as well as Wu Pagoda relics on the first floor.

Don’t miss the Seven Pieces of Painting exhibit, which comprises seven ink paintings of bamboo painted by seven different artists of the Yuan dynasty. Other notable pieces to watch for include the Republican-era boxwood statue of Avalokiteshvara and an engraved celadon lotus-shaped bowl.

Inspect the vivid patterns decorating the Pearl Pillar of the Buddhist Shrine, which was produced in the Northern Song dynasty. Standing 4 feet (1.2 metres) high, this multilayered piece is considered to exemplify traditional Chinese craftwork.

Be sure to explore any temporary exhibitions which may be on display during your visit. In the past, shows have focused on themes including the Kunqu Opera and the silk embroidery techniques of the Qing dynasty.

Save time to explore the courtyard garden, with a pretty pond filled with brightly colored koi fish. Pay attention to the rock display, which is said to be inspired by classic Chinese painting and features rocks hand-picked by I. M. Pei.

Find the Suzhou Museum adjacent to the Humble Administrator’s Garden. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Pay an additional fee for an audio guide or tour by an English-speaking docent.

Plan a trip to see Suzhou Museum

Dayin International Youth Hostel (Shanghai Nanjing East Road;People's Square;The Bund Branch)
Moonlo Hotel
  Green Court Premier Jinqiao Shanghai
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel Soul Suzhou
Hotel Soul Suzhou
4 out of 5
27-33 Qiaosikong Xiang, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Hotel Soul Suzhou
Pan Pacific Suzhou
Pan Pacific Suzhou
4.5 out of 5
259 Xin Shi Road, GuSou District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Pan Pacific Suzhou
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
4.5 out of 5
229 West Suzhou Ave, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou China
AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou China
2 out of 5
1585 Renmin Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou China
W Suzhou
W Suzhou
5 out of 5
Building 7 Suzhou Center, corner of Xinggang Avenue and Suhui Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu
W Suzhou
PACE HOTEL Suzhou Guanqian Branch
PACE HOTEL Suzhou Guanqian Branch
3.5 out of 5
No.1 Qingyuan Fang, Suzhou, Jiangsu
PACE HOTEL Suzhou Guanqian Branch
Floral Hotel · Su Shun Suzhou
Floral Hotel · Su Shun Suzhou
2.5 out of 5
No. 40 Yanjia Alley, Guanqian Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Floral Hotel · Su Shun Suzhou
Crowne Plaza Suzhou, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Suzhou, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
168 Xinggang Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu
Crowne Plaza Suzhou, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.