Mu Xin Art Museum


Opened in 2015, the imposing white slabs of this gallery couldn't be more in contrast to the black timber houses of the surrounding Xizha scenic area of Wuzhen, showing off modern mastery over the water while being a homage to the multilayered life on an artist. Inside are the collected art pieces by Mu Xin (木心; 1927–2011), a Wuzhen writer and painter who had many of his works destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and was exiled to New York in 1982.

Displayed pieces are across five permanent halls and include manuscripts from when Mu Xin was in prison, a painting hall, video hall and literature hall.

You'll pass the museum after entering the ticketed scenic area and before entering the ancient town proper.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Xīzhà

0.28 MILES

The Xīzhà scenic zone is more spread out so feels less packed, even though visitors spend more time here. It is the more photogenic of the two scenic…

2. Chinese Footbinding Culture Museum

0.28 MILES

With plenty of English, this fascinating museum covers the thousand-year history of female foot-binding in China with examples of the shoes that…

3. Yuelao Temple

0.33 MILES

Singles and couples alike come here to win the favour of the god of love (who, interestingly, appears here as an old man) by lighting incense and tying…

4. White Lotus Pagoda

0.53 MILES

This seven-storey pagoda is a beacon at the far western end of the Xizha scenic zone. You can climb up to the 3rd floor for excellent views over the Grand…

5. Huiyuan Pawn House

0.69 MILES

Once a famous pawnshop that eventually expanded to branches in Shanghai, this old shop is bare now, though the high counter – where the owner lorded over…

6. Mao Dun’s Former Residence

0.71 MILES

Near the entrance to the Dōngzhà scenic zone, Mao Dun’s Former Residence was the home of the revolutionary writer and author of Spring Silkworms and…

7. Jiangnan Wood Carving Museum

0.76 MILES

A fine collection of wood carvings from around the region, though unfortunately no explanations as to when they were created or what symbolism is evoked.

8. Dōngzhà

0.95 MILES

The main street of the Dōngzhà scenic zone, Dongda Jie (东大街), is a narrow path paved with stone slabs and flanked by wooden buildings. There are workshops…