Introduction:
This visitor's guide to the Shanghai Museum will help you in your visit to one of the best collections of traditional Chinese artifacts on the mainland. If you're not a big museum person, save your museum visit for Shanghai and spend at least half a day at the Shanghai Museum touring Chinese history.
Collections:
Aside from special exhibitions (check the Shanghai Museum's special collections website to see what's on while you're in town), the main collection is free and vast. The permanent collections are made up of the following, housed in different galleries on four floors:
- Bronzes
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Calligraphy
- Paintings
- Jade
- Seals
- Furniture
- Minority Nationalities' Art & Costumes
Visitor Information:
Entry Fee: Free of charge (since March 2008)
Special Exhibitions Fee: 20rmb
Hours of Operation: daily 9am - 5pm
Address: officially #201 Renmin Avenue, Shanghai. Practically speaking, it's on the southern end of People's Square.
Getting There:
Say "shanghai boh-oo-gwan" to your taxi or take the subway to People's Square and follow exit signs for the Shanghai Museum.
In Chinese: 上海博物馆
Facilities:
- Handicapped access
- Elevators
- Bathrooms on various floors
- Audio tours available for rental in the lobby
- A restaurant and tearoom - neither of which I have found to be simultaneously open. If you're going to visit during a meal time, better snack ahead of time.
- Museum Shop on the lower level - this is really a good shop for souvenirs and gifts. Prices are slightly inflated but if you don't have time to do other shopping in Shanghai, then this might be a good time to stock up. Their English language book selection is very good.
With Kids?:
The museum is stroller-friendly with ramps to the entries and elevators to take you to the different floors.
Guide Notes & Comments:
I think one of the best ways to get a good feel for the collection is to rent the audio guide available in the visitor lobby. Especially visitors who don't have the time to spend looking at everything, the audio guide gives a highlighted tour and background to the pieces that you wouldn't necessarily be able to replicate yourself.
