Rose Museum
In May 2016, the Rose Museum, located in Beijing, China, opened to the public. Billed as a 'world first’, the museum is characterised by a 'solid' volume covered by a silk-like skin of stainless steel with a paper-cut pattern of Chinese roses.
Designed by NEXT architects, the museum "...aims to create a new architecture for China, in which history and modernity, art and architecture blend." The architects were inspired by the roses and floriculture which are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, as well as by traditional Chinese architecture, in particular, walled courtyards.
The stainless steel façade is 300 m long and 17 m high, perforated with a rose-shaped pattern. There are four half-open courtyards between the façade and the main building, in which the rose pattern creates an interplay between light and shadow. At night, the façade is illuminated and projects rose shadows outside the building.
The Rose Museum was completed in time to host the 2016 World Rose Convention.
Images copyright Xiao Kaixiong.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building of the week series.
- China Philharmonic Hall.
- Dali Theatre and Museum.
- Dancing House, Prague.
- Dunmore Pineapple.
- Kunsthaus Graz.
- Lotus Temple.
- National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing.
- Office Center 1000 Kaunas.
- Phoenix International Media Center, Beijing.
- Sage Gateshead.
- Titanic Belfast.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Xili Sports and Cultural Centre.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.
Why construction can't afford to ignore the skills gap.




















