In 2006, the New Suzhou Museum opened to the public.  Located in the old section of Suzhou, right beside the amazing grounds of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the museum was designed by world-renowned, Suzhou-bred architect, I. M. Pei.

I recently made my first visit to the museum, though I had to make my way through much too quickly for my liking.  It couldn’t be helped.  I had limited time, and I was doing research for the travel guide I am writing about the city, and needed to move on to additional locales.  But one thing I am sure of… I will visit this museum again.  Often.

The Humble Administrator’s Garden, next to the museum, has long been one of my favorite spots.  It was here that I really began to learn how to appreciate a Chinese garden.  I have revisited it several times, and am very sure I will make many more trips through the grounds there.  It is absolutely beautiful.  But, at least in part because of my admiration for this garden, I have missed what has been lying beside it for the past 3-4 years in the museum.

I. M. Pei has an impressive resumé.   Whether you’re more likely to be impressed by the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame or by the Pyramids of the Louvre, Pei is going to catch your eye.  His work is really astounding.  And the New Suzhou Museum is a fantastic piece in his stellar collection.

Part of what impresses me as I look over Pei’s work is the amazing way he fits his buildings into the local culture.  In Suzhou, this means one thing:  gardens.  And in the museum, Pei has done a masterful job of capturing the feel of a Chinese garden.  At the entryway, there is a beautiful framing of a koi pond with rocks stacked behind that give the feel of a mountain range.  This is the perfect means of seeming to capture huge expanses in a very limited space, which is one of the ideals of Chinese gardening.  Similarly, as you walk throughout the museum, you will find windows and openings that frame views of the grounds and the buildings, emphasizing just what the place was built for.  It is really astounding to walk through.

I didn’t have near enough time on my first visit to the museum.  I can hardly wait to get back.  The only problem I foresee is how I will manage to divide my time between the garden and the museum that lie side by side.