China Southwest Architecture Design (CSWADI) has recently completed the transformation of the Sanxingdui relic site museum park in Guanghan, China. The new structure, located north of the park’s central axis, pays homage to the ancient Shu Kingdom by taking inspiration from the surrounding landscape and historical ruins. The design features three beautifully undulating mounds, reminiscent of the kingdom’s history.
To further connect the museum to the bronze civilization of Sanxingdui, the facade incorporates low-iron glass and bronze sun visors that resemble the eyes of the excavated relics. Not only do these elements add a touch of authenticity, but they also provide visitors with breathtaking views of the lush surroundings.
In order to accommodate the growing number of visitors and the discovery of new artifacts, the museum and visitor center have been expanded to cover a vast area of 54,400 sqm. This expansion replaces the original buildings, which were no longer sufficient. As part of the redesign, the entire park has been re-planned to create a seamless visitor experience. A counterclockwise loop has been introduced, connecting the new museum, the two old museums, the altar, and other significant sites within the park.
The Sanxingdui site, situated near the Yazi River, holds immense archaeological importance, unearthing relics that date back an astonishing 4,800 years. CSWADI has skillfully incorporated elements from the existing buildings, such as a spiral exterior wall, to shape the three mound-like structures. This design choice symbolizes the concept of ‘three stars with the moon,’ effectively linking the new building to the historical context of the site.
The geometric surfaces of the mounds draw inspiration from the renowned Museum No. 2, designed by the esteemed architect Zheng Guoying. Additionally, the roofs of these mounds are covered with sloping soil, seamlessly blending into the river embankment and mirroring the slope of the old Museum No. 1
Through their expertise, China Southwest Architecture Design has successfully created a compact and cohesive building that integrates the new museum and visitor center into a unified entity. The layout has been thoughtfully arranged, with the visitor center, exhibition areas, and logistics positioned sequentially from east to west. This strategic organization enhances the park’s functionality and ensures a smooth flow of visitors throughout the site.
The design concept is inspired by the expressive eyes of the iconic bronze mask discovered at Sanxingdui, influencing its overall form and creating a dialogue between its internal spaces and the external ruins. Visitors are welcomed into the museum through a narrow opening in the solid outer wall, initiating a journey through the cave-like interior. The interior areas, represented by the Eyes, serve as key focal points within the museum, including a central spiral atrium that symbolizes space and time, as well as a descending ramp leading to an underground circular pit.
The museum’s architecture forms an Eye of the Earth, establishing a connection between the heavens and the ground. The open theater on the second level, oriented towards the old museum and ruins, provides a dynamic venue for performances and exhibitions. Through the ‘eyes’ of the theater, visitors can observe the old museum and the surrounding forest. The facade of the building also reflects the Eye theme through its unique openings and materials, such as ‘chrysanthemum yellow’ granite and hand-chiseled stone slabs, which mimic the colors and textures of the earth.
The new museum consists of two above-ground floors and two underground temporary exhibition halls, totaling 20,000 sqm of exhibition space. The exhibition halls are designed for flexibility, with a continuous sequence reflecting the archaeological narrative of Sanxingdui. The museum’s roof features a steel grid structure with strategically positioned equipment pipelines to integrate equipment and structure.
Unlike typical museums, Sanxingdui Museum’s exhibition layout follows an archaeological narrative, with large halls in a sequence, following the archaeological narrative. The exhibition halls employ a broken-line series design for flexibility, allowing parallel door openings. Visitors can explore exhibits independently or in a one-way circulation, with strategically placed facilities like cafes and rest areas to alleviate fatigue. A special highlight is the cultural relic exhibition hall on the second floor, offering panoramic river views while exploring the museum’s cultural exhibits.