The Shanghai Literary Museum is set to open next year, but before its grand opening, residents will have the opportunity to feast their eyes on the "Library of Ba Jin" within the museum. The Ba Jin Library is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year and will be open to the public, announced the Academic Committee of the Shanghai Literary Museum during its first plenary meeting on April 7.

Rendered photos of the Shanghai Literature Museum. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

Ba Jin (1904 to 2005) was a significant figure in 20th-century Chinese literature, with remarkable contributions in various literary genres such as novels, essays, poetry, translations, and editing. As a witness and participant in China’s history, Ba Jin traversed a tumultuous journey of over 100 years, with his works exerting widespread and profound influence on several generations of readers. His works have been translated into nearly 30 languages, including Japanese, Russian, and English, and have been widely circulated worldwide, making him one of the most internationally acclaimed modern Chinese writers.

Yihong Garden. [Photo by Shi Chenlu]

The multi-functional and modern Shanghai Literary Museum will have a total area of approximately 14,000 square meters, comprising three outstanding historically protected buildings including Yihong Garden and one newly constructed building.

In August 2022, the museum's construction officially commenced at 439 Wujin Road in Hongkou district. It is designed to integrate exhibition, education, promotion, communication, collection, and research.

Through literary works, the life stories of writers, and activities, the museum will present Shanghai's unique urban literary landscape. The museum aims to disseminate and popularize literary history to its visitors.

The "Library of Ba Jin" within the Shanghai Literary Museum is poised to become the most comprehensive Ba Jin data resource center in the world. The library's collection will mainly consist of books, documents, and other physical items related to the writer and his contemporaries. It will also establish a big data center and smart library centered on Ba Jin.

Yihong Garden, where the Shanghai Literary Museum is located, has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was originally built by Zhao Qifeng, a Cantonese merchant, in the early 20th century. Also known as the Zhao family garden, Yihong Garden is small and exquisite, resembling a Western-style garden, with four courtyards and two buildings. It was once a well-known public space in Shanghai and was visited three times by Sun Yat-sen (1866 to 1925), the father of modern China. The upcoming Shanghai Literary Museum is conveniently located and once completed, residents will be able to reach this new cultural landmark by taking Metro Line 10 to Sichuan North Road Station.

Source: thepaper.cn