The phenomenal exhibition On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt wrapped up at the Shanghai Museum on Aug 17, concluding a 13-month journey through the wonders of ancient Egypt. 

But there's much more to explore beyond this headline-making event.

Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum is one of the world's premier institutions for ancient Chinese art and among the first to be recognized as a national first-class museum. It hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Chinese culture anywhere.

The museum has two major sites: the Shanghai Museum on People's Square and the Shanghai Museum East. A third site in Yangpu district is scheduled to be completed before 2030.

 

Shanghai Museum on People's Square

This museum emphasizes international cultural exchange, hosting special exhibitions in collaboration with museums worldwide. Its permanent galleries showcase the treasures of Chinese art, while special exhibitions spark conversations with global collections, offering visitors a bridge between cultures.

1. Permanent galleries

2. Current special exhibitions

Pearls Returned Home: Painting and Calligraphy from the Collection of Liangtuxuan by the Ching Banlee Family

• Date: Aug 20, 2025 – April 19, 2026
• Location: 3F, Exhibition Room for Paintings & Calligraphy Works from Liangtuxuan

Precious Rarities: Ming and Qing Rhinoceros Horn Carvings in the Shanghai Museum

• Date: Since May 30, 2025
• Location: 3F, Exhibition Gallery

All That Glitters: Chinese Cloisonne as a Gift from Robert Chang's Collection

• Date: Since Apr 25, 2024
• Location: 4F, Exhibition Gallery

3. Visitor information

🕒 Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (last admission 4 pm)

🚫 Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays)

📍 Address: No 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

🚇 Metro: Lines 1, 2, or 8. Get off at the People's Square Station and exit at Exit 1.

From Sept 1, 2025, no reservations are required for individual visitors. Entry is available with a valid identification document, such as a passport or a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.

During peak periods or for popular exhibitions, reservations are required. They can be made by scanning the QR code provided.

4. Audio guide

Available in eight languages: Chinese, English, French, Japanese, German, Korean, Spanish, and Italian.

Fee: 40 yuan, with a deposit of 400 yuan, or $50, or a passport.

Note: Temporary exhibitions may require separate rentals.

 

Shanghai Museum East

Located in Pudong, this branch highlights ancient Chinese art with 20 galleries and interactive spaces. Permanent galleries showcase bronzes, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, paintings, seals, coins, and more, while dedicated sections spotlight Shanghai culture and Jiangnan traditions.

1. Permanent galleries

2. Current special exhibitions

The Spiraling Glory: Treasures from Guyuan, Ningxia

• Date: July 9 – Nov 17, 2025
• Location: 2F, China Eastern Airlines Exhibition Gallery 2

Legends of Dragon: The Ancient Civilization of Hongshan Culture

• Date: Jun 26 – Oct 8, 2025
• Location: Bright Dairy & Food Exhibition Gallery 1

3. Visitor information

🕒 Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (last admission 5 pm)

🚫 Closed: Tuesdays (open on public holidays)

📍 Address: No 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

🚇 Metro: The museum is accessible via Metro Lines 2, 4, or 6

• Line 2: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station, Exit 8
• Line 4: Xiangcheng Road Station, Exit 2
• Line 6: Pudian Road Station, Exit 1

No reservation is required for individual visitors. Entry is available with a valid identification document, such as a passport or a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, through the B1 East Gate (near Dingxiang Road).

4. Audio guide

Available in Chinese and English. The audio guide will start to play when put near the exhibited items.

Fee: 40 yuan (English version) for permanent exhibitions. No deposit required.

Note: Audio guides for special exhibitions will be charged separately.

5. English guided tours

Shanghai Museum East now provides paid English guided tours to its Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery and the Ancient Chinese Ceramics Gallery.

Service fee: Starting from 300 yuan.

Reservations and purchases are available at the guided tour service desk inside Shanghai Museum East.

 

Source: Shanghai Museum