Suzhou Museum

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Humble Administrator’s Garden in central Suzhou, the Suzhou Museum is a treasure trove for lovers of Chinese art and is considered one of China’s best museums.

Highlights and Travel Tips

Like much of China, the Suzhou Museum combines old and new in a fascinating way. Part of the museum is housed in an ancient ancestral temple, a historic and peaceful setting for the numerous artworks on display here. The newer Exhibition Hall is decidedly more modern but seems to blend in seamlessly with the historic structures and atmospheric gardens around it. Designed by internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei, famous for designing the iconic glass pyramid in front of the Louvre, the building combines modern dynamics, shapes, and colors with traditional themes and is considered by many to be an architectural masterpiece.

Beyond its exquisite design, the Suzhou Museum houses more than 15,000 priceless cultural relics, including traditional paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, ancient documents, and more, many of which date back several centuries. Its stunning and comprehensive collection has made Suzhou Museum one of the best art museums in the country.

Because of its popularity, the Suzhou Museum receives a lot of visitors (nearly 2 million a year!), so it is best to plan your visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Opening hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (closed Mondays, except for national holidays)
Entrance fee: free
Recommended duration of this activity: 1-2 hrs

How to Get There

Located in the heart of Suzhou, the Suzhou Museum is within walking distance of the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lion Grove Garden and so is easy to fit in between visits to these iconic sites. From elsewhere in Suzhou, the museum can easily be reached by bus or car.

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