Opened in 1996, the modern complex of Shanghai Museum embodies traditional Chinese philosophy. The building resembles an ancient bronze ding tripod (a symbol of harmony between Heaven and Earth). The museum was first established in 1952, but the current building in People`s Square was specially constructed to house national treasures.
Architect Luo Jiuwei combined a circular dome (representing Heaven) with a square base (symbolizing Earth). The granite facade features abstract patterns inspired by Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) motifs.
Shanghai Museum Collections
1. Ancient Bronze Gallery (11 halls). Period: 1800–221 BC
Masterpieces:
• Zun ritual wine vessel in ram shape (Shang Dynasty, 13th c. BC)
• Zhong bell with 124 inscribed characters (Zhou Dynasty)
2. Ceramics and Porcelain
• From Neolithic Yangshao pottery (5000 years old) to Qing export porcelain
• Highlight: Blue-and-white underglaze vase (Yuan Dynasty, 14th c.)
3. Calligraphy and Painting
• Scrolls from Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties
• Rarity: "Poem on the Red Cliff" by Su Shi (11th c.)
4. Ming and Qing Furniture. Reconstructed scholar-official`s study with Hunan rosewood carvings
5. Currency and Jade
• From shell money (16th c. BC) to first paper banknotes
• Jade burial suit of Prince Chu (2nd c. BC)
• Total: 11 permanent galleries, including seals, sculpture, and ethnic minority art
Tickets:
Free entry (passport required)
Online booking: Via WeChat (official account) or website
Ticket office: 9:00–16:00 (tickets often sell out by 14:00 on weekends)
Opening hours of Shanghai Museum:
9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Closed Mondays (except holidays)
Tips:
Rent an audio guide (¥40, Russian available)
Start from the 4th floor to avoid crowds
Free English tours Wednesdays at 14:00
Temporary exhibition tickets grant faster entry
