Suzhou Archaeological Museum to open next week

Located within the Shihu Scenic Area, the museum sits on the northern side of Shihu Lake and at the southern end of Yuedi Road. It is adjacent to the Yuecheng Ruins, a historical and cultural site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, the museum features a one-storey structure above the ground and one underground floor, with a total investment of 160 million yuan

Themed "Tracing the Roots of Suzhou's Regional Civilization," the exhibition showcases basic exhibits on the first floor. On the basement floor are exhibits showcasing archaeological findings in Suzhou and themed temporary exhibitions featuring archaeological education and interactive experiences, which highlight the latest achievements in Suzhou's archaeological endeavors.
The museum will showcase nearly a thousand archaeological survey and exploration projects conducted since the establishment of Suzhou Institute of Archaeology in 2009, along with over a hundred archaeological excavation projects and a vast quantity of precious cultural relics.
The collections of Suzhou Archaeological Museum primarily consist of artifacts excavated from various sites, spanning from Suzhou's Sanshan Island in the Paleolithic period to many places across the city in modern times.

The permanent exhibition "Tracing the Roots of Suzhou's Regional Civilization" takes visitors on a journey through the archaeological and geographical evolution of Suzhou's riverine and maritime landscapes. Guided by archaeological theory, methodology, and cultural heritage preservation principles, the exhibition narrates the story of Suzhou's archaeological discoveries through three thematic sections. These chapters address key questions about the birth of Suzhou's culture, the role of archaeology, and the city's enduring historical legacy.The "Splendors of Jiangnan: Archaeological Discoveries of Suzhou" exhibition is set up on the basement floor. Based on a chronological timeline, it weaves a rich tapestry of social, economic, and cultural aspects of history. With four thematic chapters, it presents a multilayered yet focused account of Suzhou's efforts in archaeology, honoring the tireless efforts of archaeologists in unearthing these treasures. On display are 1,200 pieces (sets) of cultural relics carefully selected from excavations, including ceramics, lacquered wooden objects, bronze wares, gold and silver artifacts, and jade and stone objects. Notably, over 80 percent of these exhibits and ruins are publicly displayed for the first time.

Beyond permanent exhibitions, the museum features public activity spaces on its outdoor sunken plaza, including the Educational Discovery Hall, the Cultural Relics Conservation and Restoration Zone, the Temporary Exhibition Area, and the Coffee Leisure Area, offering diverse experiences to the public.

Address: No. 321 Yuedi Road, Gusu District

Tickets: Free without reservations