Location: Jishou, China.

Architect: Atelier FCJZ.

The Jishou Art Museum, located in the regional capital of Xiangxi in western Hunan, China, is a unique cultural facility that doubles as a pedestrian bridge over the Wanrong River. The architects proposed building the museum in the center of the old town to make it easily accessible to the community. The front entrances of the museum are integrated into the mixed-use street walls, making it a part of everyday life. The design is a contemporary interpretation of the age-old covered bridge, which has a long tradition in the mountainous region of China. The museum is composed of two bridges, one on top of the other, with the lower level resembling a roofed street for pedestrians and the upper level a concrete arch with a painting gallery inside. The glazed walls and tiled shading system enclose the museum’s main hall for temporary exhibitions. Supplementary spaces such as the entrance hall, administrative office, shop, and tearoom are situated in the two bridgeheads at either end. The project was completed in 2019 and covers an area of 3535.4m2. The Jishou Art Museum is a unique example of how cultural institutions can be integrated into the existing urban fabric and become a part of everyday life.

Photo credit: Tian Fangfang.