The building of Tsinghua University Art Museum is designed by the internationally recognized architect Mario Botta, who is the designer of many world class museum buildings. All these buildings along with Tsinghua University Art Museum give expression to his perception both unique and original on space, field, surroundings and their relationship to each other. In addition, the architectural features of these buildings always reflect the local cultures and the times when they are designed.

In January of 2013, Century Golden Resources Group funded two hundred million RMB to support the construction of Tsinghua University Art Museum. 

In this building, space is arranged to be visitors-& staff-friendly, smart and adaptive for the museum to perform its different functions over a long term period. Up-to-date facilities and equipment are in place to make sure it is technologically ready for daily operation and special events. Such flexibility also allows for future addition project which might be needed as the museum grows. Given many roles a museum has to play, including among others to display the house collection and exhibition items, to safely and properly preserve cultural relics, to carry out research and study, to participate in international cultural exchange and communication, an optimal use efficiency of the space is essential. In this regard, this building is one of the best practices of its kind that demonstrate an all-in-one of both appearance and functionality. Special attention is also given to the accessibility design inside and around the museum.

This building covers a total area of 30,000 square meters, of which 9000 square meters is designated as exhibition space, 5,000 square meters as storage space, 8000 square meters as activities space, 3000 square meters as office and staff space, and 5000 square meters as equipment and facilities.

The Tsinghua University Art Museum is a smart building. It is equipped with Building Automation System, Communication Automation System and Office Automation System. As an organization that falls into the category of the highest level of risk control, this museum building is required to install the following systems: auxiliary lighting system, alarm system, access control system, patrol system, security communication system, security power system, security transmission system, television monitoring system and evidence collection recording system. Seismic intensity of this building is 8. It can be used for a duration of 100 years and falls in the category of buildings that is required to have the highest level of risk control and security. The museum building is installed with boiler steam humidity systems, central air-conditioning systems and central ventilation facilities, making it possible to control the temperature and humidity of different sections of the building according to different requirements of its collections to ensure their safety.