Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in China. There are skyscrapers, malls, buildings with European architecture, and museums—lots and lots of museums. It’s a diverse and modern city and it deserves its fair share of intellectually stimulating galleries. It seems that everyday you hear of a new museum opening in Shanghai – so which ones should you go to? Here’s a list of seven new institutions in Shanghai worth checking out.

Photo: Lawrence Wang

1) Shanghai Film MuseumView In Map
The Shanghai film museum is located in Xujiahui, on the site of the Shanghai Film Group. If you’re interested in learning about Shanghai’s film evolution then this is the place to go. Showcased are interactive panels and videos of some of the important events that have shaped Shanghai cinema. Exhibits also take you through the evolution of film equipment, from cameras to sound, as well as a showcase of costumes, prosthetics and other interesting tools used in film. You’ll also learn about some of the key players in the Shanghai film industry. Videos have English subtitles and everything else is in both English and Chinese.

Add: 595 Caoxi Bei Lu, Nandan Dong Lu, Xuhui District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市徐汇区曹西北路595号, 近南丹东路
Website: www.shfilmmuseum.com
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 09:00 – 17:00
Tel: 021 6426 8666
Price: 50RMB entrance; 30RMB for students
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1, 9 or 11 to Xujiahui Road station

2) China Art Palace View In Map
This museum is located in the China Pavilion of 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The museum is in a building with astonishing architecture; it resembles an old Chinese roof support, which looks like an upside-down red pyramid. This museum has 5 floors of artwork and on display are the origins and development of modern Chinese art, along with oil paintings, prints, Chinese paintings, and sculptures. If you go to this museum make sure to book your ticket online, tickets are free and all you need to do is reserve a spot.

Add: China Art Museum, World Expo Park 161 Shangnan Lu, near Guozhan Lu, Pudong, Shanghai
地址: 上海市浦东上南路161号上海世博园区, 近国展路
Website: www.artmuseumonline.org/book/grlist.jspx
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 9:00 – 17:00
Tel: 021 2020 2010
Price: Free (tickets must be booked online)
Getting there: Take Metro Line 8 to China Art Museum station

3) Power Station of Art View In Map
The  building which houses the museum used to be a power station and is now the new home of some of the biggest contemporary art shows. The Power Station of Art hosts some of the best touring exhibitions from around the world and counts Andy Warhol among its previously exhibited artists. This is China’a first state-run contemporary art museum and it has some impressive exhibits so make sure to check it out.

Add: Lane 20, Huayuangang Lu, Near Miaojiang Lu, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市黄浦区花园港路20弄, 近苗江路
Website: www.powerstationofart.com
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 9:00 – 17:00; Mon, closed
Tel: 021 3110 8550
Price: FREE (special exhibits vary)
Getting there: Take Metro Line 4 or 8 to South Xizang Road station

4) Rockbund Art MuseumView In Map
This art museum hosts various contemporary art collections, but it doesn’t have a permanent collection. Some of the past exhibitions include some of China’s most notable contemporary artists, including Zheng Fanzi and Cai Guo Ciang. They’ve also hosted international shows such as the Hugo Boss Art Award. The building’s art deco exterior was restored by British architect David Chipperfield; it was originally designed by the British design firm Palmer and Turner.

Add: 20 Huqiu Lu, near Beijing Dong Lu, Huangpu district, Shanghai 
地址: 上海市黄浦区虎丘路20号, 近北京东路
Website: www.rockbundartmuseum.org
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 10:00 – 18:00; Mon, closed
Tel: 021 3310 9985
Price: 15 RMB
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road station

5) Yuz MuseumView In Map
This museum is an Indonesian import, filled with Chinese-Indonesian billionaire Budi Tek's collection of contemporary art. Japanese Architect Sou Fujimoto designed the museum and it first opened in 2013. The museum has lots of very cool and abstract art, from sculptures made of cigarettes, to pieces of moving rubble on the floor. You’ll also see a few pieces by some famous names such as Yoko ONO. The museum is located on West Bund, near the river, perfect for a post-museum stroll.  

Add: 35 Fenggu Lu, near Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市徐汇区丰谷路35号, 近龙腾大道
Website: www.yuzf.org/en/about/museums.html
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 10:30 – 17:30; Mon, closed
Tel: 021 6426 1901
Price: 60 RMB
Getting there: Take Metro Line 11 to Yunjin Road station

6) Long MuseumView In Map
If you’re near the Yuz museum, then consider checking this place out. This museum opened in 2014 and it’s the second museum featuring one person’s private collection; the other Long Museum is in Pudong. Before you enter the museum you’ll see some spectacular architecture. Showcased in the museum are famous Chinese contemporary works as well as ancient and traditional masterpieces. After you’ve checked out this museum, head to Pudong to visit the rest of the collection.

Address: 3398 Longteng Avenue, near Ruining Lu, Xuhui district
地址:  上海市徐汇区龙腾大道3398号, 近瑞宁路
Website: www.thelongmuseum.org
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 10:00 – 17:30; Mon, closed
Tel: 021 6422 7636
Price: 50 RMB
Getting there: Take Metro Line 11 to Longhua station

7) Aurora MuseumView In Map
This museum is quite small in comparison to the other museums on this list, but if you’re into ancient Chinese art then this is the museum for you. Each floor of this museum displays different genres of art and the floor filled with ancient white and blue porcelain is worth checking out. The most extraordinary floor with real ancient works of art is the top floor, where you’ll see remarkable Buddha sculptures that date from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty.

Add: Ground Floor, Aurora Building, 99 Fucheng Lu, Pudong District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市浦东新区富城路99号震旦大厦1楼
Website: www.auroraplaza.com.cn/en/culture.aspx
Opening hours: Sat-Thur, 10:00 -17:00; Fri, 10:00 - 21:00; Mon, closed
Tel: 021 5840 8899
Price: 60 RMB for Adults
Getting there: Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui station

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Keywords: Museums in Shanghai