Shanghai Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai, China. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is home to an impressive collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks. The museum was founded in 1952 and has since become a major cultural hub for visitors from all over the world. With over 200,000 artifacts and works of art, the museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world.
History
Shanghai Museum was founded in 1952 and is the first museum to be established in Shanghai. It was originally housed in the former Shanghai Racecourse Club, which was built in 1845. The museum moved to its current location in the People’s Square in 1996 and underwent a major renovation in 2006. Since then, the museum has become one of the most popular attractions in Shanghai.
Collections
The museum houses an impressive collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks. It is divided into eleven galleries, each dedicated to a different type of art or artifact. The galleries include Ancient Chinese Art, Chinese Calligraphy and Paintings, Chinese Bronze, Chinese Ceramics, Chinese Coins, Chinese Furniture, Chinese Jade, Chinese Seals, Chinese Sculpture, Ancient Chinese Coins, and Chinese Minority Nationalities Art. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions each year.
Highlights
The museum is home to a number of important artifacts and works of art, including the famous bronze statue of the God of Wealth, the bronze lamp from the Han Dynasty, the bronze vessel from the Shang Dynasty, and the jade seal of the Ming Dynasty. The museum also houses a large collection of Chinese coins, including the oldest Chinese coins ever found. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions each year.
Visiting Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first three days of Chinese New Year. Admission to the museum is free for visitors under 18 and for adults with a valid Shanghai resident ID. The museum is easily accessible by metro and bus and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Tips for Visiting Shanghai Museum
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Bring your own headphones to listen to the audio guide.
- Take advantage of the museum’s free Wi-Fi.
- Take your time to appreciate the artwork and artifacts.
- Visit the museum’s cafe for a quick snack or drink.