MAD Architects’ Hainan Science Museum Is a Floating Spectacle

by

Summary

  • MAD Architects’ Hainan Science Museum is now open in Haikou
  • Its floating, biomorphic fiberglass shell uses three cores to eliminate interior column.
  • A spiral ramp connects diverse galleries, a planetarium and outdoor education spaces

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to walk inside a silver cloud above a marsh? That’s the feeling the new Hainan Science Museum in Haikou, China, aims for. Designed by architect Ma Yansong and his firm MAD Architects, the museum officially opened recently, creating a stunning illusion of floating above the landscape.

This large, 46,528-square-meter museum opened after a successful four-month trial period that welcomed over 350,000 guests. Built between 2019 and 2026 and commissioned by the Haikou Association for Science and Technology, it’s designed to be a valuable resource for local families, conveniently located near over 30 schools and kindergartens.

Okay, so I visited this museum, and it’s seriously cool. It’s built right in the middle of a swampy, tropical area, but it doesn’t feel out of place at all. The architects totally worked with the environment, using really modern tech to create something amazing. The building itself is six stories tall and shaped like a giant swirl – it’s supposed to look like a column of hot air rising from the ground, and honestly, it really does! It’s a really unique design.

The building’s unique, flowing form and ability to withstand the area’s frequent rain are thanks to its exterior: a shimmering silver skin made of 843 fiberglass panels. These panels have open joints and channels to quickly drain water away. The circular structure is held up by just three concrete supports, which allows for column-free exhibition spaces and creates the remarkable impression that the museum is floating above the water and plazas below.

The museum provides a captivating and well-planned experience for visitors. A central, spiraling ramp, resembling a DNA strand, gracefully winds its way from the ground floor to the sixth level, illuminated by a large skylight. This unique design connects all the main exhibit areas, with smaller galleries branching off to explore topics like oceans, biology, and space technology.

The museum boasts a planetarium, a large-format cinema, and hands-on exhibits for visitors of every age. It also extends learning outdoors with gardens and spaces dedicated to plant science and tropical farming, bringing MAD Architects’ idea of blending nature and innovation to life.

Hainan Science Museum
8QF+RXV, Binhai Blvd, Longhua District,
Haikou, Hainan, China, 570101

Read More

2026-05-14 15:56