Shenzhen science museum shortlisted for global architecture award

The Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum has been shortlisted for the 2026 Prix Versailles awards, an international architecture and design prize associated with UNESCO that recognizes outstanding contemporary buildings.

The Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum is one of China's two museums shorlisted for the 2026 Prix Versailles awards. Photos by Lin Jianping and Liu Xudong

The museum is one of seven projects worldwide selected in the museum category this year, according to organizers of the France-based award program. The final winner will be announced in December.

The entrance of the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum. 

Located in the Guangming Science City, the museum has drawn attention for its futuristic appearance, including a flowing metallic facade made from more than 90,000 stainless steel panels that reflect changing light and weather conditions.

Nicknamed the “Big Spaceship” by local residents, the building was designed as both an exhibition venue and an immersive visual experience.

Opened to the public May 1, 2025, the museum marked its first anniversary this month. Operators said it had received nearly 4 million visits during its first year and hosted thousands of public science and education events.

Visitors explore the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum in Guangming District. Since opening in 2025, the museum has welcomed nearly 4 million visitors and hosted thousands of public science and education events.

The museum is part of Shenzhen’s broader push to strengthen its profile as a global innovation hub through large-scale public science and cultural infrastructure. Exhibits focus on areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace technology and digital civilization, reflecting the southern Chinese tech center’s industrial strengths.

This year, China has two museums shortlisted in the Prix Versailles museum category, both located in Guangdong Province. The other project is Guangzhou’s Xuelei Fragrance Museum.

Founded in 2015, the Prix Versailles awards recognize architecture and design projects across categories including airports, campuses, hotels, restaurants, museums and public infrastructure.