IM Pei, architect of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, designed a refined and bright architecture inspired by traditional housing for the Museum of Suzhou. This radiant backdrop offsets the internationally renowned collections: relics of the Wu Kingdom, jade jewellery, ceramics and unclassifiable items, such as a miniature pagoda studded with gold and jade pearls and contemporary paintings. Visitors also see the former residence of Prince Zhong (1860), which covers more than 10 000m2.