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Why the Shanghai
Museum is special
The Shanghai Museum is China's finest and one
of the world's greatest museums. The ancient cultural masterpieces are superbly presented using state of the
art lighting and display cases.
Insights about the
Shanghai Museum
 The museum's collection has Chinese cultural
treasures from prehistoric times through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In addition, special exhibits featuring
modern art are sometimes presented.
The Shanghai Museum has ten
permanent specialized galleries (bronze, calligraphy, ceramics,
coins, furniture, jades, minority art, paintings, sculpture and seals) plus several special
exhibition halls.
The Gallery of Chinese Bronze is the museum's most
celebrated gallery. The bronze objects include ceremonial food and beverage vessels, musical instruments and
armor. The 2,500 year old bronze wine
warmer (see photo) in the form of an ox is a museum goers' favorite.
The ceramics gallery is highly
praised by experts. Exquisite is the best word to describe this collection.
Shanghai Museum tidbits
The museum began operations in an
old, former bank building (where I first saw the collection). It moved into its well planned modern building
in 1996.
The collection grew from 13,000
items in 1952 to well over 100,000 today (but only a fraction is on display at any given time).
Tips for your
vacation tour or trip
The museum now rents a digital audio
tour guide that intelligently describes various fine works on art. I highly
recommend it. The narration is in various languages,
including English.
Reserve ample hours for the museum. Most first
time visitors exit it wishing that they had allocated more time for it. The Shanghai Museum is that good.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in China
 
My Chinese
phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
View my Chinese
cuisine guide
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