I M Pei's Suzhou Museum

I.M. Pei’s Suzhou Museum is an incredible edifice filled with equally incredible art work from the last 2 centuries.  This was Pritzker Prize winner Pei’s last architectural monument, and this museum blends “Chinese style with innovation, Suzhou style with creativity “ and the idea of “not too high, not too large, and not too abrupt.”  He succeeded on all counts and we were treated to perhaps the most beautiful museum I’ve seen to date.  I need to read more about him and this museum to know if he was like Frank Lloyd Wright in his attention to every aspect of the building, because it seemed his aesthetic was infused into all details of the museum, from the gorgeous café window to the stunning garden in the middle of the museum.  The palate of gray granite and stainless steel against whitewashed walls created a bold yet warm effect that was a perfect setting for the multi-medium exhibits showcased in the museum.  As an added bonus, it was connected to Prince Zhong Wang Fu's mansion, which has recently been renovated and restored.

We woke early to a light sprinkle, so we decided this was our day to brave the line outside the museum.  We were indeed lucky, waiting only 10 minutes, and were treated with the delightful quandary of not knowing which way to turn to be captured by the beautiful images.  I heard via a sister in the Heartland there is perhaps a documentary on I.M. Pei and his work with this museum, so check it out and let me know if you find it!  In the meantime enjoy some photos.  We’ll be back there as many times as our weekend schedule allows, and I’m sure we’ll be treated with new discoveries and old friends when we do visit.  PICS:  https://flic.kr/s/aHsk2Vgrq6