The Miho Museum is located in the forested hills west of central Koka. It was designed by the renowned architect E. M. Pei.
The design incorporates the museum into the natural surroundings - essentially it is buried within the hillside. The entrance of the museum requires that visitors pass through a long tunnel cut through a mountain. Once through to the other side, visitors cross a suspension bridge that traverses a deep ravine. The interior of the museum consists of contrasting steel and glass elements.
The design was inspired by the Chinese tale of “Peach Blossom Spring,” the original inspiration for the idea of “Shangri-La.” The story explains that when one enters Peach Blossom Spring, they will encounter paradise - no one ages, gets sick, or suffers from want. However, if you depart, you will not be able to relocate the entrance. It has been a long time desire on my part to visit this museum. Being able to do so was moving and transformative. Needless to say, I did not want to leave. Having done so, I can only hope that I one day rediscover it’s entrance.
