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 and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.