The largest city in the world in terms of population with a fascinating history is already dynamically developing for the second millennium and carefully stores artifacts of past eras. In dozens of museums in Shanghai, you can get acquainted with all aspects of the ancient and modern life of this metropolis.
Shanghai Museum
The most impressive repository of the history of the country and the city, which contains amazing material evidence of centuries past. The main museum of Shanghai was founded in 1952 and was located in the building of the racing club, which for a long time was one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
In 1996, the museum moved to a purpose-built building in the city center in the southern part of People's Square, designed by its local architect Sing Tong Hye. The unusual shape of the best museum in Shanghai is made in accordance with ancient Chinese cosmogonic representations, the square base symbolizes the earth, and the upper floors in the shape of a circle represent the sky. The source of inspiration for Sing was the ancient bronze vessel Ding Ke Ding, which is on display.
On four floors, in three exhibition halls and eleven galleries 120 thousand objects of Chinese art are exhibited. Each floor is dedicated to a separate topic, on the first there is a collection of bronze (including weapons, cups, vessels, dishes) of the ancient Chinese dynasties Han, Shan and Zhou. The second exhibits pottery dating back to the Neolithic era and the time of many Han emperors. A separate gallery is dedicated to the material culture of national minorities, here you can see the products of craftsmen from bronze, ceramics, bamboo, costumes of the peoples of China. Separate expositions are dedicated to jade products that are especially valued in the country - talismans, jewelry, figurines, symbolizing wealth and power. Painting and calligraphy, collections of ancient books and historical documents, coins are displayed in separate galleries.
Some tourists believe that if you want to "feel" the country, then this museum must be seen, especially since the entrance is free. The museum is located at 201, Ren Min Da Dao; you can take the metro to the People’s Square station or take the bus to the People’s Square stop.
Chinese art museum
There are many different art museums in Shanghai, the main one being the Chinese Art Museum, which is located in the Pudong area. It presents works that show the origins, development and achievements of modern Chinese art. The museum is located at No. 205, Shangnan Road, Pudong, and can be reached by metro to the Chinese Museum of Art Station.
Four permanent collections are dedicated to various aspects of artistic creation. More than 600 works of the 19-20th century show the origin and main trends. In another exposition, paintings and sculptures of seven prominent Chinese artists are exhibited. The modern 21st century is represented by 250 works - these are engravings, sculptures, calligraphy. A separate exhibition is dedicated to acquaintance with the historical context of Shanghai, part of the permanent exhibition is a huge panel depicting scenes of urban and rural life of ancient China.
Shanghai Museum of Science and Technology
This amazing Shanghai museum is specially built by the local government to support public policy to increase the role of science, technology and education in modernizing the country.
It was opened at the end of 2001, its expositions are devoted to various fields of activity. All expositions are distributed on 4 topics: nature, man, science and technology. For example, separate exhibition areas are allocated to astronautics, robots, wildlife, information technology.
Tourists advise bringing children to the Technoland pavilion, which is equipped with interactive equipment and, in their opinion, simply fantastic. The museum is located at: No. 2000 Shiji Avenu.
Shanghai Museum of Chinese Medicine
One of Shanghai's oldest museums opened its exhibition halls in 1938. His collection contains over 14,000 exhibits showing the achievements and history of the development of Chinese traditional medicine for 5 thousand years, from the Neolithic era to the present day.
Three thematic sections show samples of traditional medicine medicines, the history of the University of Chinese medicine and the medical history of the Chinese Medical Society.
This Shanghai Museum has collected more than 3000 medicines with a description of the forms, properties and methods of use, which visitors to the museum can familiarize themselves with. The expositions and exhibitions held here are aimed at popularizing scientific knowledge about traditional medicine, exchanging and disseminating treatment methods between China and other countries.
Shanghai History Museum
If you want to get acquainted with how the city was at different periods of time starting from the Ming Dynasty, then be sure to visit this museum, which is also sometimes called the Exhibition Pavilion of the Historical Development of Shanghai. Founded in 1983, after several relocations, it was located in 2001 on the ground floor of the Shanghai TV Tower at No.1 Century Avenue, where it is now. If you wonder how to get to the museums of Shanghai, then the best way is to get on the subway.
Among about 30 thousand exhibits included in the museum fund, there are ancient city relics and 18 thousand modern objects, including the colonial period. This Shanghai Museum has five major permanent exhibitions dedicated to various aspects of the history of China and the city.
Museum of Jewish Refugees
Among several dozen of the most diverse museums in Shanghai, there are many devoted to art, for example, Zendai contemporary art, production history, such as railway, banking, and maritime. Museums have been created showing the history of individual events, sports, materials and technologies.
But few people expect to see a museum of Jewish refugees in Shanghai , built in memory of 25 thousand Jews who took refuge in the city during World War II. It is located in the former Ohel Moshe synagogue in the Hunkou district on Changyang Street. Documents, scrolls, and other cultural relics are presented here. Many tourists are advised to visit this place and feel free to contact the volunteers working in the museum who speak good English.