Rockbund Art Museum
A premier contemporary art museum in Shanghai's historic Rockbund district, showcasing diverse Chinese and international artists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Rockbund Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier contemporary art museum in Shanghai's historic Rockbund district, showcasing diverse Chinese and international artists.
"The best contemporary art museum in Shanghai hands down."
Check Exhibition Schedules
Exhibitions change! Always check the official website for current shows and dates.
Explore the Rockbund Area
The museum is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Make a day of it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tireless Girl Installation
Rockbund Museum Plaza
Zhou Yang's captivating art installation offers a vibrant visual experience.
Evelyn Taocheng Wang: An Equivocal Contrast
Exhibition Hall
Experience rich sensory art with captivating ambiguity and playful observations of everyday life.
Rindon Johnson: Best Synthetic Answer
Floors 3-7
Explore the artist's largest solo exhibition to date, featuring newly commissioned works.
Historic Art Deco Architecture
Museum Building
Admire the beautifully renovated art deco building, a blend of history and modern design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Art & Atmosphere
Navigating Exhibitions & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Exhibition Schedules
Exhibitions change! Always check the official website for current shows and dates.
Explore the Rockbund Area
The museum is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Make a day of it! 
Consider Admission Fees
Entry fees vary per exhibition. Some outdoor installations might be free.
Photography Opportunities
The architecture and art installations offer great photo ops.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibition Schedules
Exhibitions change! Always check the official website for current shows and dates.
Explore the Rockbund Area
The museum is surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Make a day of it!
Consider Admission Fees
Entry fees vary per exhibition. Some outdoor installations might be free.
Photography Opportunities
The architecture and art installations offer great photo ops.
Quiet Escape
A peaceful alternative to the busy Nanjing Road.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Rockbund Art Museum for its excellent contemporary art exhibitions and its beautiful setting within a historic art deco building. It's considered a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. However, some visitors have found certain exhibitions to be underwhelming or not worth the admission fee.
"Rockbund area newly transformed with Museums, gourmet cafes and upscale F&B nice place for an afternoon or early evening hangout must see in Shanghai"
Saki Chatzichristidis
"The best contemporary art museum in Shanghai hands down"
Sean Zhang
"Small yet interesting museum worths a visit, especially if you are looking for a place somewhere silent to avoid crowd of Nanjingdonglu."
Hanna K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rockbund Art Museum is located on Huqiu Road. You can reach it via metro lines, with Line 2 and Line 10 to East Nanjing Road station being convenient options, followed by a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Parking in the Rockbund area can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking difficulties.
The Rockbund area is perfect for walking. Combine your museum visit with exploring the historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes nearby.
Yes, the museum is well-connected by Shanghai's extensive metro system. The nearest stations offer a pleasant walk through the historic district.
Yes, it's a relatively short and pleasant walk from the bustling Nanjing Road to the more serene Rockbund Art Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary depending on the current exhibition. It's best to check the official Rockbund Art Museum website for the most up-to-date ticket information and any special exhibition fees.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular exhibitions or during peak visiting times, to ensure entry and avoid queues.
Sometimes, outdoor installations or specific areas like the museum plaza may offer free access. For example, Zhou Yang's 'The Tireless Girl' was featured in the plaza.
Opening hours can vary by exhibition and day of the week. Always consult the official Rockbund Art Museum website for the most accurate and current operating hours before your visit.
Information regarding specific art passes is best confirmed directly with the museum or the pass provider. Check their respective websites for details on accepted passes.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum focuses on contemporary Chinese and international art, featuring a diverse range of exhibitions from established and emerging artists.
While the museum primarily showcases contemporary art, some exhibitions may have elements that can engage younger visitors. It's advisable to check the specific exhibition content beforehand.
Information on guided tours is best obtained from the museum's official website or by inquiring at the information desk upon arrival.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's crucial to respect any restrictions posted for specific artworks or installations.
The museum is described as relatively small but beautifully designed, spread across multiple floors. It offers an intimate viewing experience.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe, offering a place to relax and refresh. The surrounding Rockbund area also boasts numerous upscale dining options and gourmet cafes.
The Rockbund area is known for its upscale F&B scene, with many gourmet cafes and restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences.
It's generally not permitted to bring outside food and drinks into museum galleries. Please consume them in designated areas or outside the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's stunning art deco architecture, both interior and exterior, provides excellent photographic opportunities. Many contemporary art installations also make for striking visuals.
Flash photography is typically prohibited inside art museums to protect the artworks and ensure a comfortable viewing experience for others. Always check for signage.
Installations like Zhou Yang's 'The Tireless Girl' in the plaza and various suspended artworks within the museum are highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Art Enthusiasts & Culture Seekers
+3Combine your visit with exploring the nearby galleries and boutiques in the Rockbund area. This district is a hub for art and design, making it a perfect destination for a day dedicated to cultural exploration. Don't forget to check the museum's schedule for any special talks or events that might coincide with your visit.
📸 Photography Buffs
Beyond the architecture, the museum frequently hosts visually striking contemporary art installations that make for unique and captivating shots. Remember to check the museum's photography policy, as flash is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. The broader Rockbund area also provides charming street scenes and historic facades for further photographic exploration. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rockbund Area: A Blend of History and Modernity
+1The juxtaposition of old and new is a key characteristic of the Rockbund. The museum itself is housed in a handsome art deco building, renovated by renowned architect David Chipperfield. This thoughtful restoration ensures that the building's historical significance is maintained while providing a modern, functional space for art exhibitions. The surrounding Museum Plaza has also become a canvas for temporary art installations, adding another layer of artistic engagement to the district.
This area is a prime example of Shanghai's ability to integrate its rich past with its forward-looking present. It's a destination that appeals to art lovers, history buffs, and those simply looking for a picturesque and engaging urban exploration. The Rockbund offers a more refined and less crowded experience compared to some of Shanghai's more bustling commercial streets.
Exploring Contemporary Art Exhibitions
+4Visitors can expect a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation art, and digital media. The museum's multi-floor layout allows for immersive experiences, with each level potentially dedicated to different aspects of an artist's work or a curated thematic exhibition. The scale of these exhibitions can vary, from intimate displays to large-scale installations that transform the museum's spaces.
It's essential for visitors to check the museum's official website for current exhibition schedules, as the programming is dynamic and frequently updated. This ensures you don't miss out on specific artists or themes that align with your interests. The museum also often engages in educational programs, talks, and workshops, further enriching the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit