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Join us as we traverse the globe to showcase some of the most stunning museums worldwide. This time, we’re heading to Asia to uncover its architectural wonders, each offering a unique cultural experience waiting to be explored.
1. Hiroshima Castle, Japan
Photo courtesy of Jonas Merian
Japan once boasted thousands of stunning castles, but the abolition of the feudal system in the late 1800s led to the destruction of many. Although Hiroshima Castle, made of wood, survived this era, it was tragically destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. Reconstructed in 1958, it now stands as a museum dedicated to Hiroshima's pre-war history.
2. Zigong Salt History, China
Photo courtesy of Ken Marshall
Even if salt mining history doesn’t intrigue you, the Zigong Salt History Museum is a must-visit. Built in 1736 as a guildhall for salt merchants, it features intricate stone and wood carvings that were among the most exquisite of their time, showcasing the wealth and prestige of the traders.
3. Bangkok National Museum, Thailand
Photos courtesy of Flickr user marianabigail
Originally the palace of Thailand's Vice King, this structure was transformed into a museum in 1874. Initially showcasing artifacts from King Rama IV's era, the museum has since grown significantly, now featuring exhibits spanning from the Neolithic period to contemporary Thai history.
4. National Folk Museum, South Korea
Photo courtesy of Kwong Yee Cheng
The National Folk Museum of Korea is the ultimate destination to explore Korean cultural history, offering both knowledge and breathtaking surroundings. Established in 1945, it relocated to its current site in 1993, a building that once housed the National Museum of Korea.
5. Sursock Museum, Lebanon
Once the residence of Nicholas Sursock, a prominent Beirut art collector, this grand mansion became a museum following his passing. Renowned for its blend of Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles, it stands as a testament to Lebanese design. Since its inauguration in 1961, the museum has hosted more than 100 exhibitions, showcasing works from both regional and global artists.
6. Albert Hall Museum, India
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia user chetan
This charming museum, inaugurated in 1887, was named in honor of King Edward VII (Albert Edward), who attended the laying of its foundation stone in 1876. Initially planned as a town hall, it was transformed into a museum under Maharaja Madho Singh II's reign. Its architecture showcases the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, blending Indio-Islamic, Indian, Gothic, and Neo-Classical elements into a visually striking design.
7. ArtScience Museum, Singapore
Photo courtesy of William Cho
The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas shares a connection with this Singapore museum: both are managed by the Las Vegas Sands company. Opened in 2011, the lotus-inspired structure is part of the Marina Bay Sands resort. It boasts 21 gallery spaces, primarily hosting a dynamic array of international touring exhibitions.
8. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, China
The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is brimming with architectural marvels, making it challenging to capture its essence in a single image. However, this nighttime shot by Greg Peterson effectively highlights some of its grander design features. Since its opening in 2001, the museum has become one of China's most beloved attractions, and for good reason—it’s truly awe-inspiring. Designed by Creative Star Digital, the museum spans nearly 700,000 square feet and features 14 interactive multimedia exhibits at any given time.
9. Macao Science Center, Macau
Photo courtesy of Sherilyn Shaine Ocampo-Palisoc
This striking science museum, opened just five years ago, has quickly become a Macau landmark due to its distinctive asymmetrical and conical design by Pei Partnership Architects. Visitors are greeted by a spacious atrium, leading to various galleries and exhibits, including a planetarium that also screens Omnimax films.
10. Virasat-e-Khalsa, India
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia user Sanyambahga
This museum, which celebrates the history of Sikhism, opened just two years ago but has already made a mark with its striking modern architecture. The complex features two structures on either side of a ravine, linked by a ceremonial bridge. Designed by Moshe Safdie and Associates, the buildings boast stainless steel roofs and exposed concrete columns and beams, adding to their unique aesthetic.
11. Design Museum Holon, Israel
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Israel's first design-focused museum, the Design Museum Holon, was the inaugural project of architect Ron Arad. Remarkably, despite being his first design, the building has earned global acclaim, with Conde Nast Traveler naming it one of the new wonders of the world shortly after its completion in 2010.
12. Science City, India
Photo courtesy of Biswarup Ganguly
Blending the excitement of an amusement park with the educational value of a science museum, Science City offers insights into marine biology, space exploration, numerals, and optical illusions. Its outdoor gardens include attractions like a musical fountain, a gravity coaster, a monorail cycle, a butterfly nursery, and an interactive evolution exhibit. Since its opening in 1997, the complex has continually expanded, adding new features over time.
13. Meiji-mura, Japan
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia user danirubioperez
Unlike traditional museums confined to a single structure, Meiji-mura is an expansive open-air museum dedicated to preserving historic buildings from across Japan. Spanning 250 acres of picturesque hillside along Lake Iruka, the park features over 60 historically significant structures.
The museum’s collection showcases an impressive range of buildings dating from 1867 to 1989. Among its most notable exhibits is the main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, relocated in 1967 to accommodate a larger replacement.
14. Kaichi School, Japan
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia user Wiiii
Established in 1873, the Kaichi School was one of Japan’s earliest educational institutions. It moved into this architecturally unique building, blending Western and Japanese styles, in 1876. Designated an Important Cultural Property in 1961, it now serves as a museum celebrating Japan’s educational heritage.
15. National Museum of Singapore
Founded in 1849, the National Museum of Singapore began as a modest section within a library at the Singapore Institution. By 1887, its collection was relocated to its current Neo-Palladian and Renaissance-style building. Over the past century, the museum has undergone five expansions to accommodate its growing exhibits, which primarily focus on Singapore’s rich history.
Did we overlook a museum? Share your suggestions in the comments, and don’t hesitate to include a link or photo!
