Museums in Shanghai That Are Worth Your Time  

Are You Ready to Experience the Soul of Shanghai?

Think Shanghai is all about glittering skylines and shopping? Then, think again! Because beneath these lies a world laced with stories, and what better way to explore them than in museums in Shanghai? Whether it is the lavish art collections at the Shanghai Museum, ancient artifacts that have stood the test of time, or 20th-century Chinese artworks at the China Art Museum, the city offers cultural experiences served with a stylish flair, ready to peel back the layers of this electric city? Read on to learn more about the must-see museums in Shanghai

The Shanghai Museum is a vast, free cultural institution that houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Chinese art and artifacts. The museum is set in a stunning piece of architecture, inspired by a bronze cauldron of the ancient past, and encompasses five levels and 39,200 square meters. Visitors can explore a huge array of treasures such as bronzes, jade, classical paintings, signed calligraphy, dress costumes, coins, Ming furniture, and ceramics, all demonstrating multiple eras of China's long history.  

Address: 201 Renmin Ave, People's Square, Huangpu, China, 200003

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a stylishly designed six-story building that takes visitors on a compelling tour of the evolution of the city's architecture and urban plans. You will enter the museum’s center through a large, golden sculpture of Shanghai's skyline. The exhibition center spans five floors of immersive Shanghai development with sophisticated scale models, old photographs, large audiovisual installations, and engaging interactive exhibits that inform and entertain while exploring the past and future urban development of Shanghai.  

Address: 100 Renmin Ave, People's Square, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200003

The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a state-of-the-art attraction that blends education and entertainment through portraying many exhibits, interactive displays, and themed theaters. It is one of the best museums in Shanghai to enjoy an afternoon with children, wanting to experience educational hands-on developmental games, or engage with interactive learning spaces. Curious minds of all ages will enjoy the twelve exhibition zones on three large floors. Some of the exhibits offer fully immersive experiences, like the Yunnan Rainforest, Earth's Geological Layers, the World of Robotics, Space Exploration, and even more.     

Address: 2000 Shiji Blvd, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201204

The Shanghai Natural History Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves a dive into ancient life, located right next to the Shanghai Natural History Museum Station, and is one of the largest natural science museums in China, featuring 3 floors and 3 basement levels. Within the museum, you will find many interesting animal specimens and interactive live zones on the 1st floor, fossils, fossilized skeletons, Mummies & anthropology, and a theater at B1, books on B2M, life-sized models, artifacts, and an immersive mini theater on the 2nd floor.  You will get to walk among giants like Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, and Mamenchisaurus in Dinosaur Hall on B1; some of them can even roar and move.

  Address: 2000 Shiji Blvd, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201204

Located in the historic former Shanghai Race Club building, the Shanghai History Museum offers an in-depth overview of the city. With an extensive collection of over 110,000 objects scattered on the 5 floors in various categories, such as paintings, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and stone carvings, the museum easily becomes one of the best places to visit in Shanghai. Here, you will first come across a detailed digital timeline and a video, capturing almost 6000+ years of history, then on the 2nd floor, there are artifacts from ancient cultures like Liangzhu and Majiabang that date back to 5,000 years ago, 3rd floor include antique vehicles, vivid displays, and wax scenes till 20th century from 1840s, while the 4th floor showcasing the glow-ups of People’s Square and 5th floor is the rooftop, featuring a café overlooking the city skyline and People’s Square views.

Address: Lujiazui, Pudong, China, 200120

The China Art Museum, also known as the China Art Palace, is one of Shanghai’s famous cultural landmarks, spanning 5 altitude-based levels. The China Art Museum is Asia’s largest art gallery with a huge collection of modern Chinese artwork, which includes masterpieces by renowned Chinese artists on 5m, along with exhibitions tracing the cultural development of Shanghai on 41 m. Home to the striking animation named “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” at 49 m, the museum even contains interactive experiences such as shadow puppet shows at 0 m, and a look at the rotating international exhibits, and global art dialogues at 33 m.  

Address: 205 Shangnan Rd, 周家渡 Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200010

The Shanghai Museum of Glass is an exciting cultural destination, offering interactive exhibits, live glassblowing, workshops, and more. This museum, located in Baoshan in a repurposed glass factory, combines the industrial nature of glass with modern architecture. Visitors can explore the art and process of glassmaking, enjoy contemporary glass art, and engage with creative activities, including programs for kids. The beautiful architecture, with its high ceilings and large galleries, provides an excellent backdrop to snap stunning pics.   

Address: 685 Changjiang W Rd, Baoshan, Shanghai, China, 200441

The Rockbund Art Museum is a must-see for anyone exploring Shanghai's flourishing contemporary art scene. Located in the picturesque Bund district along the river, the museum is in a beautifully restored Art Deco building that once housed the Royal Asiatic Society. The museum has quickly become an energetic site for new temporary, rotating exhibitions, housing both group and solo shows by well-known global and Chinese artists, like Barbara Chase-Riboud, Olafur Eliasson, Yayoi Kusama, Peng Zuqiang, and more. Moreover, you may relax at its café, serving simple snacks and coffee with views of the city and river.

Address: 20 Huqiu Rd, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200085

For car enthusiasts, the Shanghai Auto Museum is an intriguing excursion through over 100 years of automotive history. Located in Shanghai Auto Expo Park, in Anting Town, Jiading District, the Shanghai Auto Museum has a variety of more than 70 vintage and classic cars. The collection includes examples from the earliest days of the automobile and design concepts from more recent years. It also provides a good opportunity to see the mechanics involved in how the car is assembled, making it one of the best things to see in Shanghai.  

Address: 7565 Boyuan Rd, Jiading District, Shanghai, China, 215332

The Pudong Art Museum (MAP) is an exceptional cultural landmark designed by master architect Jean Nouvel. The mission is to connect international and local creative voices, featuring internationally recognized exhibitions while supporting new Chinese voices. MAP is promoting educational activities and focusing on global exchanges to develop awareness of contemporary art. Recent exhibitions included Xu Bing and an exceptional exhibition of Op and Kinetic Art from the Tate Collection.  

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Pudong, 2789, 正西方向80米 邮政编码: 200120