Shanghai offers more than just delicious food and cultural attractions. Venture beyond its architecture, bustling shopping streets and gorgeous shopping malls, you’ll discover a thriving art scene teeming with talent and innovation.
Here’s our guide to the 7 fantastic Shanghai art galleries.
1. Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts 上海工艺美术博物馆
Once known as the Arts & Crafts Research Institute, this museum resides within a stunning French Renaissance-style mansion. Despite its modest size, the museum boasts meticulously curated exhibits. Visitors can explore several exhibition halls featuring over 300 displays and observe around 50 artisans at work in 10 workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the exquisite interior furnishings and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens surrounding the mansion.
Address: 79 Fenyang Lu, Xuhui District 徐汇区汾阳路79号
2. China Art Museum 中华艺术宫
The China Art Palace, a museum in Shanghai, is housed within the China Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. This museum, which is free to enter, spans an impressive 64,000 square meters of exhibition space, comprising 27 exhibition halls.
Visitors can explore the rich history and evolution of modern Chinese art through a vast collection of art treasures, including oil paintings, prints, Chinese paintings, and sculptures. With its extensive display, the China Art Palace offers a comprehensive glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Chinese art.
Address: 61 Shangnan Rd 上南路161号
3. M97 Gallery M97画廊
It’s one of the largest art galleries in Shanghai. Opened in 2006, it features lots of different photographers, from well-known ones to new talents.
The gallery mainly focuses on modern and artistic photography, especially highlighting the work of Chinese photographers who capture the beauty of life in China through their pictures. Whether it’s landscapes, people, or creative shots, the gallery gives you a cool look at China through the lens of talented photographers.
Address: 363 Changping Rd, Jing’An 静安区昌平路363号
4. Power Station of Art 上海当代艺术博物馆
When you spot the 165-meter (541-foot) chimney with a functioning thermostat displaying the temperature against the backdrop of the Huangpu River skyline, you’ve found the Power Station of Art (PSA). This massive building, formerly known as the Nanshi Power Plant in the mid-1980s, was revitalized in 2012 as mainland China’s first state-run museum dedicated to contemporary art.
Covering a whopping 42,000 square meters (452,084 square feet) along the West Bund, the PSA has become a landmark. It’s renowned for hosting the prestigious Shanghai Biennale.
Address: 678 Miaojiang Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区苗江路678号
5. Rockbund Art Museum 外滩美术馆
The Rockbund Art Museum (RAM) is a fantastic spot to catch temporary art exhibitions and participate in various fashion and business programs. These initiatives often aim to enhance the presence of Chinese and international contemporary art in Shanghai.
Additionally, the museum serves as a hub for collaborative projects with both emerging and established artists and curators. These projects often blend different disciplines such as architecture, dance, and design, creating innovative and interdisciplinary experiences for visitors.
Address: 20 Huqiu Rd 虎丘路20号
6. Yuz Museum 余德耀美术馆
The Yuz Museum is a place where you can see art from all over the world. It was started by Budi Tek, – a Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur, collector and art philanthropist. The museum used to be an airport hangar but now it’s a big, open space. They’ve had some cool exhibitions there, like the Rain Room, which has a lot of falling water.
Address: 35 Fenggu Lu, Xuhui District 徐汇区丰谷路35号
7. M50 Creative Park M50 创意园
For a real taste of Shanghai’s contemporary art scene, head to the M50 art complex, named after its address at 50 Moganshan Road, near Suzhou Creek. This area used to be a textile factory called Chunming Slub Mill, but now it’s a bustling hub of creativity.
Inside the old warehouses, you’ll find a maze of studios, galleries, cafes, and shops. The industrial charm remains, with graffiti adding pops of color to the weathered buildings. You can watch artists at work, from painting to weaving bamboo into modern light fixtures. Explore thought-provoking art installations, and pick up handmade Shanghai crafts like leather bags and ceramic jewelry to take home as souvenirs.
Address: 50 Moganshan Rd 莫干山路50号
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