Shanghai Museum East covers more than 110,000 square metres, with 20 galleries and 15,000 artefacts in its collection. Its large permanent displays and free general admission are the central appeal.
Entry and transport
- Address and hours
- 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong, next to Shanghai Science & Technology Museum and Shanghai Library East. For reference, 10:00–18:00, last entry 17:00, and Tuesday closure except public holidays.
- General admission
- Permanent exhibitions have offered free entry without reservation, using original ID at the B1 east entrance near Dingxiang Road. International visitors should confirm which travel documents and entry procedure are accepted before going.
- Metro and parking
- Use Shanghai Science & Technology Museum on Line 2, exits 1, 2, 7 or 8, then walk five to ten minutes. Parking is available at Huamu Shiguangli opposite; confirm current fees.
What to see on each floor
- 1F: bronzes and sculpture
- We highlight the Da Ke Ding, Shang Yang square measure, Zizhong Jiang pan with rotating animals, and the Jin Hou Su bells within its chronological bronze display.
- 2F: painting, calligraphy and jade
- Calligraphy, painting, jade and seal galleries. We recommend Sun Wei's Gao Yi Tu and Huaisu's Kusun Tie as highlights; displayed works may rotate.
- 3F: ceramics and coins
- We recommend more than 550 ceramics, including a Northern Song Ru-ware dish and a Yongzheng famille-rose vase with bat and peach motifs.
- 4F: archaeology and Jiangnan crafts
- Archaeology of Shanghai and a conservation gallery sit alongside Jiangnan crafts, with the route towards the rooftop garden.
- 5F: rooftop garden
- The Jiangnan-inspired Yunlin garden overlooks Century Avenue. It closes in rain, and its spiral escalator operates downwards only.
Temporary exhibitions
- Under the Golden Crown: Silla treasures
- We recommend this Silla exhibition in Special Gallery 2 until 18 January 2027, organized with Gyeongju National Museum and comprising 90 groups of 256 objects. Confirm the current exhibition and entry arrangement.
- Metropolitan Museum jewellery
- A mainland-China jewellery exhibition from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is expected to open on 17 November 2026, with separate ticketing. Confirm the exhibition and tickets with the museum.
Two routes through the museum
- Two-hour highlights
- 1F bronzes and Da Ke Ding → 1F sculpture → 2F jade and seals → 3F ceramics → Silla exhibition → B1 museum shop.
- Four-hour deeper visit
- Enter at B1 → lift to 4F archaeology and crafts → 5F rooftop → 3F ceramics and coins → 2F painting, calligraphy and jade → 1F bronzes.
Entry, storage and museum practicalities
- Use the B1 east entrance
- We direct individual visitors to the B1 east entrance, reached by the escalators on either side of the main building.
- Documents and children
- Valid identification is needed for entry and audio-guide rental. Alternatives have been described for children without ID; international visitors should confirm which documents apply to them.
- Free storage
- We recommend small-item lockers at B1 and staffed storage for larger luggage at 1F.
- Guides and interpretation
- For reference, CNY 20 for an electronic guide at B1 or 1F, free scheduled human tours requiring sign-up, and free audio through the museum's official account.
- Food and temperature
- The B1 restaurant is listed at CNY 35–48 per person. For more choice, leave through the southeast gate for Huamu Shiguangli opposite. Drinking water and seating are available on each floor; bring a light layer for the air conditioning.
- Do not confuse the two museums
- The permanent displays described here are at the East Museum, while separate paid exhibitions are at People's Square. The closing days differ, so verify the venue and exhibition.