Located in east China's water town of Wuzhen in Zhejiang Province, Muxin Art Museum was built in memory of the late Chinese artist, writer and poet Mu Xin, one of the most popular writers among young Chinese readers today.
Standing near the water, the pond-side modern structure is designed by a group of artists led by Hiroshi Okamoto – a student of renowned Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei.
A homage to Mu Xin's simple aesthetics.
The museum contains eight galleries, five of which are dedicated to abstract art and writings by Mu Xin, who was born in Wuzhen but later moved to America.
In 2006, he left America and returned to Wuzhen where he lived until his death in 2011. Shortly thereafter, work on the museum began.
Exhibitions at the museum document both the life and work of Mu Xin.
Fifty manuscripts are currently on display chosen from some 1,000 manuscripts Mu Xin left behind.
Xu Bo, Curator Assistant of the museum said: "In fact, Mr. Mu Xin is a perfectionist. For example, he would revise his article seven to eight times, even ten times before he was satisfied with his work. Only people who understand him can help select the manuscripts for the exhibit. The work is important and ensures that the public can see as many of his pieces as possible."
In this multimedia room, documentary films are running about Mu Xin.
Once you put on the headset, many say that they feel like they are face to face with the master.
Xu Bo said: "A lot of people have very strong emotional responses from watching the video. Some laugh and dance while others cry. Some stay there for a long time to watch it over and over again. "
One visitor said: "Mu Xin had a beautiful soul, and he dedicated himself to the pursuit of truth, kindness and beauty. Last night I saw some of his articles in Shanghai, and now I see his manuscripts here. I feel as if I have time traveled to have a conversion with him."
In his later years in Wuzhen, he stayed away from social activities, and no longer accepted interviews.
For many, these manuscripts at the museum are the most intimate means of learning about the man.
Aside from being a writer, Mu Xin is also known for his paintings.
The exhibit features around 100 paintings by Mu Xin created throughout his life.
He had a great respect for the Chinese landscape painting, and his own landscape paintings managed to organically merge both Eastern and Western modernist styles.
Carrying a distinctive style, some of his water-and-ink paintings have been collected by the British Museum, Yale University and Harvard University Art Gallery, as well as private art collectors in the United States.
A "ladder library" is located at the northern end of the museum.
Here, visitors can relax and sit on the floor and read the books.
This popular spot for visitors is equally enjoyed by librarians too.
Xu Bo said: " Mr. Mu Xin is like a treasure. Everyone can benefit from him. Mu Xin's legacy will influence new generations, helping them achieve their culture dream. "
