Glass Museum of Hsinchu City: A Celebration of Glass Art and HistoryPreserving the Past, Embracing the Future
The Glass Museum of Hsinchu City, designed by Pan Kuan Yu and Tsai Wen Chi, is a testament to the rich history and artistic beauty of glass. Located in Hsinchu, Taiwan, this unique museum showcases the craft and artistry of glass while paying homage to the building's historical significance.
Originally constructed in 1936 as the Hsinchu state autonomy house, the building has undergone several transformations before becoming the Glass Museum of Hsinchu City. The designers recognized the importance of preserving the original appearance of the building while incorporating modern exhibition concepts.
The newly designed exhibition area features a minimal white tone that highlights the purity of glass without overshadowing the historical building. The visual wall in the lobby, constructed with glass sticks and recycled glass balls, serves as a striking visual logo for the museum and symbolizes the theme of "the recycling economy of glass" in the permanent exhibition.
The space for temporary exhibitions on the ground floor is divided into two areas, each showcasing the unique characteristics of glass. From transparency to reflection and refraction, the design of these areas conceptualizes and showcases the fascinating properties of glass.
The second floor houses the permanent exhibition, where the remaining arches, stairways, and round windows of the old building are intentionally preserved. Natural light streams through the reopened traditional windows, illuminating the crystal-clear glass artworks. With white-toned display boards and booths, the focus remains on the beauty and craftsmanship of glass.
The integration of the newly implanted exhibition space into the historical building posed a significant challenge for the designers. However, they successfully transformed this limitation into an advantage, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The Glass Museum of Hsinchu City opened its doors in October 2018, inviting visitors to explore the history, art, and innovation of glass. This remarkable project, recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in 2019, exemplifies the creativity, resourcefulness, and technical expertise that contribute to a better world.
Photographer: Li, Chia Fa. KyleYu photo studio
Copyrights belong to Cultural Affairs Bureau, Hsinchu City.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: KUANYU PAN ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS
Image Credits: Photographer :Li,chia fa. KyleYu photo studio
Project Team Members: Architect: Pan,kuan yu
Designer: Tsai,wen chi
Project Name: Glass Museum of Hsinchu City
Project Client: KUANYU PAN ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS