Museums across Shanghai are unveiling new collections of creative merchandise inspired by their major exhibitions. From plush toys and fridge magnets to bags and keychains, these keepsakes bring cultural relics and works of art into everyday life.

1. Shanghai Museum

Exhibition: On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas

Duration: Through Nov 14, 2027

One of the largest showcases of ancient American civilizations worldwide, the exhibition has inspired more than 2,300 cultural and creative products.

Maize God plush keychain: Inspired by depictions of the Maize God in ancient American civilizations, this plush keeps the cultural reference while adding a touch of cuteness, making it a crowd favorite.

Olmec head squishy toy: Based on the Olmec civilization's colossal heads, this soft stress-relief toy offers a playful contrast between its ancient stone-carved appearance and squishy feel.

Plush figures: Featuring animal and stone-carving motifs from the exhibition, these soft toys are among the museum shop's bestsellers.

World Tree bag collection: Knitted bags, canvas totes, and tissue pouches feature motifs such as the World Tree, the Feathered Serpent, and sun patterns, blending cultural elements with everyday style.

2. China Art Museum (Shanghai Art Museum)

Exhibition: A House of Nobility: Aesthetics and Cultivation of Life in the Mawangdui Han Tombs

Duration: Through Oct 7

The exhibition brings together treasures from the Mawangdui Han tombs in Hunan province, including several nationally significant artifacts being displayed outside Hunan for the first time. The cultural product series connects Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) aesthetics with contemporary design.

Xin Zhui's cat plush toy: The design is based on a cat motif on a lacquer food tray excavated from Xin Zhui's tomb. Filled with natural mugwort, the plush toy is available in two sizes and multiple colors.

Fridge magnets: Designs inspired by the T-shaped silk painting and cat motifs bring exhibition highlights to life in miniature, preserving ancient patterns with a cute twist.

Han-style daily collection: Silk scarves, bracelets, and canvas bags featuring Han Dynasty patterns bring ancient aesthetics into contemporary life.

3. Minhang Museum

Exhibition: Qing Elegance: Cultural Relics from the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong Reigns

Duration: Through Oct 25

This exhibition showcases more than 120 artifacts from the reigns of three Qing emperors: Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. The museum has launched its own creative brand, MoDoo Lab, which offers hands-on craft experiences and merchandise.

DIY fuse-bead art: Inspired by blue-and-white porcelain, dragon robes, phoenix crowns, and imperial seals, visitors can create their own fuse-bead designs at the museum.

Phoenix crown fridge magnet: A miniature version of the exhibition's phoenix crown, complete with tassel details and a detachable top that can be worn as a brooch.

Emperor Yongzheng cola cans: The cans feature reproductions of Emperor Yongzheng's handwritten annotations, adding a touch of historical interest to a contemporary product.

Blue-and-white creative series: Miniature designs, such as small blue-and-white bottles and gourd-shaped fridge magnets, reinterpret traditional artifacts in a collectible format.

4. Museum of Art Pudong

Exhibition: Giorgio Morandi: Solo

Duration: Through October 2026

According to the museum, this is the largest solo exhibition of Morandi's work staged anywhere in the world this century. The artist's iconic paintings have been adapted into creative products that extend beyond the canvas.

Giorgio Morandi plush keychain: Wearing a beige outfit with a brown vest, this plush figure comes with foldable glasses and meticulous detailing.

Bottle-shaped plush keychains: Morandi's signature vessels are recreated as soft plush keychains in his trademark muted palette.

Ceramic fridge magnets: These magnets capture Morandi's classic still-life compositions, blending artistic elegance with everyday charm.

Morandi color collection: Keychains, badges, notebooks, and canvas bags in Morandi's soft tones bring the artist's palette into everyday life.

 

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, museums mentioned above