The Shanghai Museum at People’s Square, often referred to as the old museum, offers a quieter alternative to its bustling counterpart, the East Branch. While the East Branch is renowned for its impressive collection of bronze artifacts and other significant exhibits, the People’s Square location focuses on Chinese calligraphy, minority crafts, and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture. If your interests lean towards the arts and history of China, this museum presents a unique opportunity to explore important cultural artifacts in a less crowded environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your visit to the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square.
Basic Information
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), closed on Mondays.
- Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District (near Wusheng Road, south entrance).
- Transportation: Accessible via Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8, with People’s Square Station being the closest stop.
- Admission Fee: Free, but reservations are required.
Exhibition Overview (Expected Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours)
1st and 2nd Floors: Currently featuring the “Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition,” running until August 2025. This exhibition showcases a wide array of ancient Egyptian artifacts, offering insight into one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
3rd Floor Calligraphy Hall: Here, you’ll find masterpieces of Chinese calligraphy from various dynasties. The exhibition spans different styles, including seal script and clerical script, showcasing works from significant historical periods.
3rd Floor Painting Hall: This gallery introduces Chinese paintings from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The collection is diverse, representing various themes and artistic techniques throughout these eras.
4th Floor Minority Crafts Hall: Focused primarily on clothing, this hall also features textile dyeing, embroidery, carving, rattan weaving, and metalwork, alongside ceremonial masks that reflect the rich traditions of China’s ethnic minorities.
4th Floor Ming and Qing Furniture Hall: Although modest in size, this elegantly arranged hall presents an assortment of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, highlighting the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of the time.
Cultural and Creative Products
The museum’s first floor hosts a small selection of cultural and creative products, with additional items found at a corner on the second floor. A stamping station is located next to the creative products section in the first-floor hall, allowing visitors to commemorate their visit.
Comparison with the New Branch
New Branch (Shanghai Museum East Branch):
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM), closed on Tuesdays.
- Address: 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New District.
- Transportation: Reachable via Metro Line 2 (Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station, Exit 8) and Lines 4/6 (Pudian Road Station, Exit 2).
- Admission Fee: Free, but reservations are required.
- Expected Visit Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
Exhibition Overview: The East Branch currently features two permanent exhibitions (Bronze and Sculpture Halls) and a temporary exhibition, with plans to open additional halls, including Jade, Seal Carving, and Calligraphy by the end of the year.
Personal Recommendation
If you have limited time, I recommend visiting the new branch in the near future, as it provides a broader and more diverse exhibition experience. However, if you have a passion for Chinese calligraphy and art, the old museum is worth a visit. Additionally, while at the People’s Square, take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, and the Shanghai History Museum. The square itself is also a great spot to relax and feed the pigeons.