© Terrence Zhang
After six years of planning, design, and construction, China’s first National Marine Museum has officially opened in Tianjin. Designed by the Australian architectural firm COX Architects, the museum features a distinctive shape that stretches from a large coastal park to the bay. Located on the third floor, the museum consists of four wings, each centered on an ocean theme: Ancient Ocean, Today’s Ocean, Discovery Journey, and the Age of Dinosaurs. The museum includes six exhibition areas and 15 interconnected exhibition halls.
© Terrence Zhang
Following over eight months of design competitions and multiple rounds of feedback from clients and stakeholders, COX Architecture was awarded the project commission in 2013. The final design features a series of fan-shaped exhibition halls extending from a central reception hall, suspended over the water. This central hall functions as both a transitional space and an exhibition area, providing access to two upper exhibition levels.
© Terrence Zhang
The project’s design was inspired by watercolor paintings created by Philip Cox, co-founder of COX Architects. The concept evolved from his sketches, which evoke vivid metaphors such as jumping carp, coral, starfish, ships anchored in ports, and China’s open gateway to the ocean world, as explained by the design team.
© Terrence Zhang
Throughout the project development, both physical and digital models were employed to test the building’s structure and details. Tools such as Revit, Rhino, and BIM technology played a critical role in coordinating and delivering the project, the architect noted.
© Terrence Zhang
“The National Oceanic Museum of China stands as a landmark building,” commented Brendan Gaffney, director of COX China. “It is an outstanding example of architecture born from an excellent design process. This project bridges the international stage and local context, demonstrating the openness and collaboration of our clients and team. The talent and determination of everyone involved ensured that the building fulfills its vision in every detail.”
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
© Terrence Zhang
Project Drawings
Master Plan © COX Architecture Firm
Elevation Drawing © COX Architecture Firm
Sectional View © COX Architecture Firm
Watercolor Painting © Philip Cox
Project Information:
Project Name: National Oceanic Museum of China
Location: Tianjin, China
Building Area: 80,000 m²
Total Floor Area: 150,000 m²
Completion Date: 2019
Floors: 3
Architectural Firm: COX Architects
COX Team Members: Hang Ling, Alex Leese, Jack Dodgson, Ashley Beckett, Jayson Blight, Jaegeun Lim, Alex Munoz, Michael Bailey, Philip Cox, Lei Li, Leon McBride, Troy Rafton, James Ryan, Mitchell Page, Julian Farrell, Andrew Butler, Belinda Williamson, David Reasbeck, Ayo Akinola, Mark Sierzcula, Perry Gustafson, Kim Huat Tan, Spyros Barberis, Megan McKenzie, Gary McFeat, William Gray, Michael Rayner, Adrian Taylor, Roger Mai, Joseph Hartley, Karen Appleyard, Matthew Napper, Brendan Gaffney, Katy Roberts, Katie Holzberger, Mark Hadfield, Maxie Navius, Jaclyn Sun, Casey Vallance, Marianella Picon, Robert Callanan, Martin Hayes, Tae Won Kang, Solomon Romion, Brendan Kenny, Vesna Lazarevic, Steve Hunter, Thomas Nelson, James Sia, Tracey Maree, Akiko Spencer, Joachim Clauss, Tim Morgan, Brett Miles, Tommy Miller, Anya Meng
Client: Chinese Government and Tianjin National Marine Museum Preparatory Office
Local Collaborating Design Agency: Tianjin Institute of Architectural Design and Research
Main Consultants: Arup, Lord Cultural Resources, Urbantect
Photographer: Terrence Zhang
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