Today marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and with it, we enter the Year of the Snake—a year that represents transformation, wisdom, and renewal. These themes are mirrored beautifully in the design of the Sanxingdui Museum’s public areas, where the interaction between the old and new structures fosters a dialogue and facilitates the transmission of heritage.
Designed by CSD.DESIGN and led by Can Zhang and Wenting Li, the space is built around 1,696 hyperbolic concrete panels, each reflecting the texture of an archaeological site. It’s a nod to the earth itself as if the museum is unearthing history and bringing it to life in the present. The space’s vast curves and sweeping walls evoke the symbolic form of the snake, with its ability to transform, shed old skins, and emerge anew. Alongside Wei Lai, Pengchong Jiang, Jing Yang, Wenjie Dong, Wenjing Liu, Jun Tang, Jinli Fan, Yan Yang, and Zhangping Wang, the team has created a design where the boundaries between sky, earth, and time seem to disappear.
The design also brings the past into focus in a very tangible way. The “civilization mask” that’s metaphorically lifted here offers us a glimpse into the rich legacy of the ancient Shu civilization. At the same time, the space feels alive, as if the past is still unfolding right before our eyes. Laser projections from the “Eye of the Earth” reach toward the sky, creating a powerful connection between history, the present, and even the cosmos. The snake, often seen as a bridge between worlds, is a fitting symbol for how this design links ancient wisdom with modern interpretation.
As we celebrate the Year of the Snake, the Sanxingdui Museum—winner of the BLT Built Design Award for Interior Design – Exhibition/Gallery—reminds us how the past continually shapes the present. Much like the snake shedding its skin, history is always evolving. This design beautifully captures that essence, showing us that both heritage and innovation are in a constant state of transformation.
