The large museum of ancient Chinese art

Chinese culture is a result of the melding and collaboration of many nationalities. During its long history, minority nationalities have created their own colourful cultures. Located in the center of Shanghai in People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is one of the most famous if not the most famous in China. Demonstrates ancient wisdom and philosophy, the museum has a collection of over 120,000 cultural pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, Ming and Qing-dynasty furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures and China’s national minority art. The museum also has a library collection of more than 200,000 books on Chinese art and history.

Established in 1952, the new building covers an area of 38,000 square meters  and is divided into 14 sections – eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land. The structure and materials of the entire building, however, are an accomplishment of the most modern technology.

In the museum you will visit to one of the best collections of traditional Chinese artifacts on the mainland and you should spend at least half a day at the Shanghai Museum touring Chinese history. Around 120 masterpieces are displayed in the 1,200 square-meter exhibition space of the Chinese Painting Hall of the Museum. These date from the Tang dynasty to modern times but do not include contemporary works.