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Museum Architecture: Home

Introduction

Traditionally, a museum is an institution dedicated to acquiring, preserving, studying, and exhibiting objects of enduring interest or value. Museums share similarities with gallery buildings and temporary structures like pavilions at expositions. Modern museum architectures continue to reflect architects' concepts through various architectural styles and features. However, museums have evolved into vibrant cultural and social hubs within cities. When designing a museum building, there is a greater emphasis on facilitating interactions among people, engaging audiences, and encouraging exploration. Moreover, there is a growing trend of repurposing old or historical buildings for museum or exhibition purposes.

M+ Reference Library

M+ Collection: Highlights

2015.521

Wang Dahong, Dahong Wang & Associates 

Model, Competition submission for the Palace Museum (1960–1961), Taipei, Taiwan

2006

2017.27

Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, Zhang Bo

East Entrance Gallery Column of the Great Hall of the People 

1959

2015.217

Anzai Shigeo 

Kishio Suga, August 1970—Aspects of New Japanese Art, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, August, 1970 

1970

2016.294

UNStudio

Model, Mercedes-Benz Museum (2001–2006), Stuttgart, Germany

2003

2013.87

Steven Holl Architects, Steven Holl

Study Model, Sifang Art Museum (2003–2013), Nanjing, China 

2004

M+ Collection Archives: Highlights

CA6/4/1/2

URBANUS 

Computer sketch, site plan, Dafen Art Museum (2005–2007), Shenzhen, China

[2005], migrated 10 May 2005

CA35/3/2

Alan Fitch, W. Szeto & Partners

Photographs, plans and sections, Hong Kong pavilion at Expo '70 (1968–1970), Osaka, Japan 

[1969]

CA7/5

Studio Zhu-Pei 

Site sketch, OCT Design Museum (2009–2011), Shenzhen, China 

August 2008

CA30/2/6/1

Wang Dahong, Dahong Wang & Associates

Negatives, floor plans, elevations and sections, competition submission for National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan 

[circa 1961]