Secret Exhibition: A Cultural and Creative Exhibition Hall at the National Museum of China

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Public Spaces

SODA, led by designers Yuan Jiang and Chen Song, has integrated modern digital art into inherited Chinese aesthetics to create a truly unique and immersive cultural and creative exhibition hall at the National Museum of China. This groundbreaking design concept breaks down the barriers of traditional museum merchandise space and redefines contemporary public spaces with new narratives and norms.

Spanning an impressive 460 square meters, the Secret Exhibition is a mesmerizing display of media interactive space, digital installations, and media-integrated exhibitions. It seamlessly bridges the gap between people, space, and objects through spatial user experience and interaction, transforming the National Museum of China into a captivating and immersive environment.

Visitors to the Secret Exhibition are greeted by historic and cultural products displayed within flowing shape booths. But the experience doesn't end there. The exhibition also immerses visitors in a digital flowing river of Chinese characters, derived from the museum's vast collection. SODA's interpretation of Chinese civilization through contemporary aesthetic vocabulary initiates a new dialogue on the relationship between history, modernity, and people.

One of the key features of the Secret Exhibition is the integration of physical and virtual spaces. SODA has developed a space AR program that adds an extra layer of virtual space parallel to the physical one. This allows visitors to have an extraordinary and imaginative experience of hyper-reality, expanding their understanding beyond everyday cognition.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to actively participate and engage with the space. The Secret Exhibition offers digital souvenirs that can be shared, creating a sense of connection and personal involvement. By transforming the traditional sales space into an exhibition space, SODA has provided a new way for visitors to explore the collections of the National Museum.

The Secret Exhibition project started in May 2020 and was completed in December 2020. It was exhibited at the National Museum of China, captivating audiences with its innovative design and immersive experience. The design team, including lead designers Jiang Yuan and Song Chen, as well as the space and digital design team led by He Yue, overcame numerous creative, technical, and research challenges to bring this extraordinary exhibition to life.

The Secret Exhibition has received widespread acclaim and recognition. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2022 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Secret Exhibition stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to creating a better world through fulfillment and positive experiences.

With its seamless integration of modern digital art, Chinese aesthetics, and immersive experiences, the Secret Exhibition at the National Museum of China is a testament to the power of design in transforming public spaces and redefining cultural experiences.