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Kengo Kuma, Manila, Manila museum, Philippines museum, Museum of Indigenous Knowledge, Museum of Indigenous Knowledge by Kengo Kuma, museum design

Located on a street corner, the eye-catching museum frames its cave-like entrance with a massive plant-covered rock arch. Inside, it appears that almost every surface is covered with lush tropical plantings, which will grow around the ravine’s waterfalls and ponds. The jungle-like aesthetic was inspired by the museum’s order of exhibitions, which will begin with the Philippine’s Neolithic period.

Kengo Kuma, Manila, Manila museum, Philippines museum, Museum of Indigenous Knowledge, Museum of Indigenous Knowledge by Kengo Kuma, museum design

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In contrast to the wild appearance of the entrance, the museum interior is more contemporary with clean lines, a minimal color palette, golden woven-textured surfaces and glass balustrades, and escalators that descend to the underground galleries. The museum shop and restaurant are located on street level. ”The theme of this museum is to offer its visitors an experience of the Philippines’ cultural heritage, starting from the Neolithic age,” said the firm. “Based on its concept, we aim to build a natural and organic museum by combining water and green in the cave-shaped space, contrary to the image of museums as closed boxes. It is also an attempt to revive cohabitation of nature and history in the urban environment.”

+ Kengo Kuma

Via Dezeen

Images via Kengo Kuma