Miho Museum

The mystic peach blossom valley

Hoyee Tse Aug 23, 2013 - 1 min read

To begin your journey, you may notice the eye-catching round layout at the front of the reception building. Both buildings are designed to signify the two ends of the journey from one spot to another.

Initially the way has nothing special - only a slightly slated grey path surrounded by greenery.

Metallic interior of the tunnel built of sound proof technique that is unusually quiet. You enter a state of calmness and prepare for the surprising scenery ahead.

Pei designed the building to minimize the visual effect on the landscape. Its silhouette harmonizes with the mountains and, at first sight, it looks like a small house.

The view at the front door imitates the nougaku stage with pine trees at the background. Drama or music performances are held here occasionally.

Glass is one of Pei's favourite materials and geometry one of his inspirations. Try to compare this museum design with the glass pyramid in Louvre.

Notice

<a href="https://www.e-tix.jp/miho_collection/en/">Advance reservations</a> are currently required to visit the Museum. For the time being, the restaurant is closed; the cafe is open but its hours/menu are limited.

Latest on Miho Museum

Sometimes visiting a museum provides insights beyond that of art, science or history of its collection. The construction and building of the museum itself can be a wonder. I.M. Pei, a contemporary master architect, based the design of Miho Museum on a Chinese poem about the fisherman's accidental discovery of the Peach Blossom Valley. Visitors trace the path from the reception through a tunnel to the exhibition space. The entire experience is a modern version of that fisherman: from the ordinary man-made world, journeying in the quiet and softly lit tunnel and then immersing yourself in the nature’s paradise. In addition, the museum offers you rare and exquisite antiquities from every continent.

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Find out more about Miho Museum.

Hoyee Tse @hoyee.tse

Art, architecture, comics and fashion, every aspect of culture is fascinating. To me, the interplay between innovation and tradition is the greatest attraction of Japan.