An exhibition marking the 45th anniversary of the friendship-city relationship between Shanghai and Zagreb is being held at the Shanghai History Museum from Sept 20 to Oct 9.

Featuring creative works from the Museum of Illusions Zagreb, the exhibition is presented in the east wing and outdoor areas of the museum, paying tribute to the enduring bond between the two cities.

Exhibition highlights

Licitar

The installation draws inspiration from Croatia's licitar, a heart-shaped, brightly decorated gingerbread cookie traditionally exchanged as a gift or used as a Christmas ornament, symbolizing love and affection in Croatian culture.

Representing love, celebration, and the spirit of giving, the work features two connected red hearts inscribed in Chinese with the words "Zagreb and Shanghai" and "Croatia and China", convey a shared message of warmth, connection, and mutual respect across distance.

Body swap mirror installation

The interactive installation invites two participants to stand on either side of a mirrored structure. Through carefully arranged reflections, it creates the illusion that they have exchanged parts of their bodies.

Beyond this playful trick lies a message: friendship is a process of seeing and mirroring each other.

Perception wall

As visitors move along the installation, their perspective gradually shifts from one image to another. On one side, Zagreb's skyline emerges; on the other, Shanghai's cityscape appears.

The visual transition reflects how cultural boundaries fade as friendship deepens.

Illusion columns

Composed of 16 uniquely designed columns, the sculpture reveals four different illusions as visitors walk around it, offering a new perspective from every angle. The work brings Croatia's landscapes, culture, and art into Shanghai, inviting visitors to explore and share.

If you go

When: Sept 20 – Oct 9, 9 am – 4 pm

Where: Shanghai History Museum, No 325 West Nanjing Road

Admission: Free, no reservation required

Source: Shanghai History Museum