#69🖼️ Art & EncyclopedicShanghai, China

Shanghai Museum

Chinese art from prehistory to the Qing dynasty

About Shanghai Museum

Built in the shape of an ancient Chinese bronze ding, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square holds 120,000 objects across 11 galleries.

Founded in 1952, Shanghai Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 74 years. Today it draws approximately 2,900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Shanghai, China, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 8,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Shanghai Museum ranks #69

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #69 in our composite ranking, Shanghai Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Shanghai Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Bronze gallery
◆Ceramics gallery
◆Calligraphy & painting
◆Ancient sculpture
◆Jade gallery
◆Free entry

Recognition & awards

Shanghai Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

Free entry

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00. Closed Mon. Free.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Shanghai Museum is located in Shanghai, China at coordinates 31.2310°N, 121.4750°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum was established in 1952, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Shanghai. With 2,900,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in China's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Asia region.

Other top art & encyclopedic museums

If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Shanghai Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#1Musée du LouvreParis, France
#2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
#3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
#4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
#5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Shanghai Museum?

Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00. Closed Mon. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Shanghai Museum?

Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Shanghai Museum located?

Shanghai Museum is located in Shanghai, China. The exact coordinates are 31.2310°, 121.4750°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Shanghai Museum known for?

Chinese art from prehistory to the Qing dynasty. Key highlights include Bronze gallery, Ceramics gallery, Calligraphy & painting. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 8,500 reviews.