Top 5: Museums in Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s biggest city, which can be overwhelming for travelers. If you don’t know where to start planning for your trip, check out our suggestions of the top museums to visit in Shanghai.

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

The museum commemorates the Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai during World War II to escape the Holocaust. The building is located on the site of a former synagogue. The somber museum features artifacts from these refugees.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum houses an impressive collection of historic artifacts. Visitors will find everything from calligraphy displays to bronzeware. Admission is free. Open daily, the museum has a limit of 8,000 visitors per day.

Shanghai Museum of Glass

One of the newer museums on this list, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is home to exhibits of ancient and contemporary glasswork. Glass-blowing classes are held at the museum for an additional fee. Hours vary by season.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

The museum highlights posters and other items from the Maoist period of communist China. More than 5,000 posters are on display. Located in an unassuming apartment complex, the museum is open daily.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center shows visitors Shanghai’s growth over the past two decades and how the city is expected to grow in the coming years. The interactive museum frequently changes its temporary exhibits. Admission costs about $5.