The Shanghai Museum was founded in 1952, but moved to a larger (and more appropriate) new home in the center of People's Square in 1996. Its collections are extensive, stunning and unsurpassed anywhere else in China. All I can say is, wow...
5 beautifully designed floors, 11 permanent galleries ~ containing over 120,000
pieces total, and 3 special temporary exhibit halls.
The permanent galleries are:
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Bronze
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Sculpture
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Ceramics (my personal favorite)
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Jades (incredible artistry)
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Paintings
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Calligraphy
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Seals
Gallery of Ancient Chinese Numistics
Gallery of Chinese Furniture in Ming and Qing Dynasties
Gallery of Arts and Crafts by Chinese Minorities
Designed by a local architect, the new museum building is designed in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding. The building has a round top and a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth". The Shanghai Museum is a definite must-visit. Admission is 60 yuan... plan on 2 hours at least.
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