From David Hockney's digital art to the Titanic's tragic tale, plan your visit to Shanghai with this exhibition guide showcasing the city's diverse cultural offerings.

 

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

When: Until Nov 30

Where: West Bund Museum, Xuhui district

David Hockney, a renowned British artist born on July 9, 1937, is known for his work in painting, drawing, printmaking, stage design, and photography.

At the exhibition, visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in Hockney's digital art through a unique 60-minute experience that employs advanced technology to explore his artistic journey.

The exhibition features original music by US composer, musician and producer Nico Muhly, designed to complement Hockney's visual world and enhance the perception of time through the interplay of color and lines.

A key aspect of the exhibition is Hockney's personal narration, infused with his distinctive humor and sharp observations, providing visitors with a unique and engaging experience.

 

Reinventing Landscape: Highlights of the Centre Pompidou Collection vol. IV

When: Until Oct 18, 2026

Where: Exhibition Halls 1 & 2, West Bund Museum, Xuhui district

This exhibition features nearly 70 world-class authentic works from the Centre Pompidou, Europe's premier collection of modern and contemporary art.

It delves into classic and avant-garde movements such as Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Art, offering a comprehensive presentation of significant art trends while addressing gaps in local contemporary art history.

 

Building Shanghai: Architecture, Urbanism, and Culture Since 1949

When: Until Aug 3

Where: Exhibition Hall 3, West Bund Museum, Xuhui district

Do you know when the Oriental Pearl Tower was topped off? Or that the Jinmao Tower once attracted global base jumpers? Are you familiar with the story behind the hexagonal design of the Shanghai Swimming Center? Come find out how well you know the fascinating history of these iconic landmarks in Shanghai.

This exhibition delves deep into Shanghai's urban roots, unveiling its cultural stories and showcasing the city's journey through modern and contemporary architecture and urban development.

 

Treasures of Cultural Relics from the Xixia Imperial

When: Until Sept 14

Where: 2F, West wing of Shanghai History Museum

The exhibition features over 120 artifacts from northwestern China, with nearly a third being national first-class cultural relics. Through a plethora of exhibits, it showcases the historical and cultural identity of various ethnic groups in the northwestern region during the Liao (916-1125), Song (960-1279), Western Xia (1038-1227), and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties, allowing visitors to closely experience the significant contributions of the Western Xia to the unity of the Chinese nation and the formation and development of a unified multi-ethnic state.

The immersive VR exhibition Mysterious Xixia Imperial Tombs, located on the third floor of the museum's west wing, is also open to the public until Aug 31. Utilizing VR equipment and motion capture technology, visitors can travel through time to the Western Xia imperial tombs and embark on an exploratory journey that takes about 25 minutes.

 

I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture

When: Until July 27

Where: Power Station of Art

The Power Station of Art and M+ presents the first major mainland retrospective of renowned Chinese-born US architect I. M. Pei (1917-2019).

The exhibition features over 400 drawings, models, photographs, and films, many of which have never been exhibited in China.

It celebrates Pei's seven-decade legacy, highlighting iconic works like the Louvre Pyramid and exploring themes such as his multicultural upbringing and innovative designs. Inspired by Chinese gardens, the exhibition design offers a multisensory journey through Pei's architectural vision.

 

Titanic: Echoes from the Past

When: Until Oct 9

Where: 3F S319, South Mall, the Bund Financial Center, No 600 East Zhongshan Road Number Two

Making its debut in East China, this immersive VR experience commemorates the Titanic's maiden voyage and its tragic descent to the ocean floor.

Through advanced VR technology, visitors embark on a 30-minute journey that blends historical research, virtual reconstruction, and interactive storytelling.

Participants can explore the shipwreck at the depths of the Atlantic, relive the grandeur of the 1912 voyage, and witness the iceberg collision.

 

Moon Project Prelude to the Moon Landing

When: Until May 5

Where: Twin Hills Exhibition Hall, Shanghai Expo Culture Park

Experience the future of space exploration with XR technology, which provides 360-degree views and precise spatial positioning. This unique journey into the Cosmos allows you to walk through a simulated moon environment, feel the vibrations of a rocket launch, and watch lunar craters shift as if you're on the moon.

 

Sources: Xuhui district government, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Observer, WeChat account of Power Station of Art, WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, The Metaverse Project, VIVE Arts, Bund Financial Center, eastday.com