Ma Yansong and MAD Architects have officially opened the Hainan Science Museum in Haikou, China, unveiling a large-scale civic and cultural project that merges futuristic architecture with the surrounding tropical wetland landscape.
Developed between 2019 and 2026, the 46,528-square-meter museum recently concluded a four-month soft opening period that drew more than 350,000 visitors. Commissioned by the Haikou Association for Science and Technology, the institution was designed as a public educational hub for families and students, positioned near more than 30 schools and kindergartens.
Located within a dense tropical environment, the six-story structure adopts a fluid biomorphic form inspired by an atmospheric “updraft.” Consequently, the museum appears to rise organically from the landscape while reflecting MAD Architects’ ongoing interest in architecture shaped by natural movement and environmental integration.
Silver FRP Shell Creates the Illusion of a Floating Structure
The museum’s exterior is clad in a reflective silver shell composed of 843 fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels. Moreover, the façade incorporates open seams and integrated drainage grooves to address Haikou’s heavy rainfall and humid climate.
Structurally, the ring-shaped building is supported by only three concrete cores. As a result, exhibition floors remain free of visible columns, reinforcing the visual impression that the museum hovers above reflecting pools and recessed public plazas.
The project continues MAD Architects’ exploration of organic architectural language while advancing complex engineering solutions that prioritize openness, movement, and spatial continuity.
Spiral Interior Connects Science, Nature, and Public Education
At the center of the museum, a continuous spiral ramp ascends through the building like a twisting DNA strand. Illuminated by natural light entering through a central glass dome, the circulation path links the institution’s exhibition spaces into a unified visitor experience.
The galleries focus on disciplines including marine ecosystems, life sciences, and aerospace technology. Additionally, the museum includes a planetarium, a giant-screen cinema, and interactive educational zones designed for audiences of different age groups.
Beyond the building itself, outdoor learning spaces extend into the surrounding landscape with programming centered on tropical agriculture and plant science. Therefore, the museum functions not only as an exhibition venue but also as an environmental and educational platform integrated into Haikou’s ecological setting.
The opening of the Hainan Science Museum further positions Haikou as an emerging destination for contemporary architecture and cultural infrastructure in China.