Shanghai Museum of Glass - the ceiling of a building with a lot of lights
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Shanghai Museum of Glass

4.5
·47 reviews·, China

A captivating museum showcasing the art and science of glass, from natural processes to contemporary installations and hands-on workshops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons, around 1:30 PM

Catch the glassblowing demo

CrowdMedium
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Shanghai Museum of Glass - the ceiling of a building with a lot of lights

Shanghai Museum of Glass

Best Time

Afternoons, around 1:30 PM

Catch the glassblowing demo

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A captivating museum showcasing the art and science of glass, from natural processes to contemporary installations and hands-on workshops.

4.5
(47 reviews)

"A high-quality, must-visit destination in China for art lovers and families alike."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Glassblowing Show

Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations, usually around 1:30 PM!

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Whole Campus

It's bigger than it looks! Wander through multiple buildings, gardens, and play areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Glassblowing Demonstrations

Live Glassblowing Demonstrations

Witness skilled artisans craft intricate pieces using traditional bamboo tubes, a captivating display of skill .

Reddit
Glass Garden Sculptures

Glass Garden Sculptures

Discover sculptures that shimmer and change color with the sunlight, thanks to embedded metal oxides .

Reddit
Optical Illusion Glass Floor

Optical Illusion Glass Floor

Experience a mind-bending walk on a glass floor designed with multiple layers and air gaps to play with depth perception .

Reddit
Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Explore diverse and innovative glass art installations from various contemporary artists .

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Glass Art

Plan your visit around the live glassblowing demonstrations, often held around 1:30 PM, to witness artisans at work.Reddit Arriving before the lights turn on can offer a unique, magical experience.Instagram

Explore the Campus

The Shanghai Museum of Glass is larger than it appears, spread across several buildings. Allow ample time to explore the galleries, outdoor play areas, and the glass souvenir shop.Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons, around 1:30 PM
Why
Catch the glassblowing demo
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Magical golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Before lights turn on
Why
Unique, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐠🌱🌳🪸🪼 📍shanghai expo culture park, the greenhouse #shanghai #china #chinatravel #aquarium #fish #ocean #nature #fyp
@alienfieldnotes
425.5K likes • 2.1M views

🎯 Catch the Glassblowing Show

Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations, usually around 1:30 PM! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Whole Campus

It's bigger than it looks! Wander through multiple buildings, gardens, and play areas. Reddit

终于收到专门为@王业丰 【无根之花】展览拍摄的照片了,非常感谢摄影师张先生的专业拍摄,希望没有来现场观看展览的朋友们可以先在线上观看一下,也欢迎大家有空来上海玻璃博物馆看展,展览持续至10月12日。祝贺艺术家王业丰!也感谢策展人、艺术总监以及博物馆团队的辛勤付出💐💐💐#shanghaimuseumofglass#contemporaryart#glassart
zhanglin_shmog
63 likes • 0 views
今天是国际博物馆日,也是上海玻璃博物馆14岁的生日,我们迎来了@上海玻璃博物馆当代艺术项目“退火”第十二位艺术家@王业丰的展览【无根之花】开幕,展览影像作曲的居住在纽约的芬兰现代爵士音乐艺术家@Frank Carlberg 表演了钢琴演奏,感谢艺术家们的精彩表演🎤……#当代艺术#国际博物馆日
zhanglin_shmog
63 likes • 0 views

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during summer evenings for a magical glow on the glass art. Instagram

💡 Visit Before Lights On

Experience a unique, tranquil atmosphere before the main lighting. Instagram

上海玻璃博物馆自2015年开始的“退火”项目邀请不同的当代艺术家从各自的视角出发,利用玻璃的强大可塑性,不断挑战这一材料的边界,为观众带来了精彩纷呈的作品,将玻璃的无限可能展现得淋漓尽致。2025年我们迎来了第十二位艺术家@Frank WANG YeFeng 让我们与艺术家共同努力🤝期待作品完美呈现👏💐#shanghaimuseumofglass#vanguardgallery #wangyefeng #contemporaryart
zhanglin_shmog
54 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Glassblowing Show

Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations, usually around 1:30 PM! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Whole Campus

It's bigger than it looks! Wander through multiple buildings, gardens, and play areas. Reddit

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during summer evenings for a magical glow on the glass art. Instagram

💡 Visit Before Lights On

Experience a unique, tranquil atmosphere before the main lighting. Instagram

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Browse the shop for unique glass products and art pieces. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Shanghai Museum of Glass for its high-quality exhibits, especially the live glassblowing demonstrations and unique art installations like the color-changing garden sculptures and optical illusion floor. It's highly recommended for both adults and children, with bilingual descriptions making it accessible. However, some find the admission price to be quite expensive.

"The museum part is okay, there are a few interesting items but mostly great for kid workshops where they can make things, and fun glass blowing presentation at 1:30pm. It has several buildings, a glass souvenir shop and indoor and outdoor play areas."

miss bubu

"MUST COME.

This place is very high quality and is a must come in china, although it is very expensive.

Fri, Aug 15 2025
- Lucas"

Lucas122

"It's a perfect place for adults and children to spend their weekend. Here you can get an overview of how glass is produced in nature and the history of glass making by humans. Glass art from all over the world is on display in a number of galleries. All descriptions of the exhibits are in both Chinese and English. You need to buy tickets at the entrance. There is also a theatre next to the main building for kids to have fun and a shop which sells all kinds of glass products."

willsonlee

What People Like

Captivating glassblowing demos
Unique art installations
Kid-friendly workshops

What People Dislike

Expensive admission price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in the Shanghai Expo Culture Park. Public transport options are available, but specific routes might vary. It's recommended to check local transit apps for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Information on parking availability is not widely shared, but given its location in a park, it's advisable to check for designated parking areas or consider public transport. TikTok

Yes, ride-sharing services are a convenient option for reaching the museum, especially if you're coming from different parts of Shanghai. TikTok

While specific accessibility details are scarce, many modern museums strive for accessibility. It's best to contact the museum directly for detailed information on ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Reddit

Taking the metro is often the most efficient way to navigate Shanghai. Check your preferred transit app for the best metro line and station closest to the museum. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reviews indicate that the museum can be quite expensive. It's recommended to purchase tickets at the entrance, but checking their official website or social media for current pricing is advised. Reddit

While tickets are available at the entrance, booking in advance might be beneficial during peak seasons or for special exhibitions to secure your spot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the museum's official channels for the most accurate daily operating times. Instagram

Information on discounts is not readily available. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their official website for any potential student, senior, or group rates. Reddit

Refund policies typically depend on the ticketing platform and the museum's specific terms and conditions. It's advisable to review these policies before purchasing tickets. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations, the unique glass garden sculptures that change with light, and the optical illusion glass floor. Contemporary art exhibitions are also a highlight. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's considered a perfect place for children, with dedicated workshops where they can create things and indoor/outdoor play areas. Reddit

Yes, all exhibit descriptions are provided in both Chinese and English, making it friendly for international visitors. Reddit

The 'Vanguard' project invites contemporary artists to challenge the boundaries of glass as a material, showcasing its infinite possibilities. Instagram

The museum offers kids' workshops where they can make things, and the glassblowing demonstrations are highly interactive and engaging. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there's a glass souvenir shop, specific dining facilities like restaurants or cafes are not prominently mentioned. It's advisable to dine before or after your visit. Reddit

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into museum galleries is discouraged. Check the museum's specific policy upon arrival. Reddit

Given its location in the Expo Culture Park, there might be food stalls or nearby eateries. Exploring the surrounding area will likely reveal various dining choices. TikTok

No specific cafes are highlighted in visitor feedback. The focus seems to be on the exhibits and the overall experience. Reddit

Shanghai offers a wide range of culinary options. You'll likely find vegetarian and vegan choices in restaurants around the Expo Culture Park area. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Instagram

The glass garden sculptures, the optical illusion glass floor, and the contemporary art installations offer fantastic photo opportunities. The golden hour light also enhances the visuals. InstagramReddit

Professional photography or videography might require special permits or prior arrangements. Contact the museum for their specific policy. Instagram

A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens would be ideal, especially for capturing the subtle color changes in the glass garden and the atmosphere before the lights turn on. Instagram

Yes, you can usually take photos during the demonstrations, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can be distracting. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Shanghai Museum of Glass is a top pick for families! It's a place where kids can learn about glassmaking and art in a fun, interactive way. The museum offers dedicated kids' workshops where they can get hands-on and create their own pieces, making it a memorable experience.Reddit

Beyond the workshops, there are indoor and outdoor play areas to keep little ones entertained. The entire campus is designed to be engaging, and the dual-language descriptions (Chinese and English) make it accessible for everyone. Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations – they're captivating for all ages! Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is a treasure trove of contemporary glass art. The 'Vanguard' project showcases artists who are pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium, offering a fresh perspective on this versatile material.Instagram You'll find a diverse range of installations that highlight the infinite possibilities of glass.

Don't miss the Glass Garden with its light-reactive sculptures and the mind-bending optical illusion glass floor.Reddit Experiencing the art during the golden hour can add an extra layer of magic to your visit.Instagram The museum also hosts special exhibitions, so check their schedule for current showcases.

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty of stunning subjects at the Shanghai Museum of Glass. The Glass Garden's color-changing sculptures and the optical illusion glass floor offer unique visual opportunities.Reddit Capturing the interplay of light and glass is key here.

Consider visiting during the golden hour for breathtaking shots, especially in the summer evenings.Instagram For a truly unique perspective, try to visit before the main lights turn on to capture a serene, atmospheric mood.Instagram Remember to check for any flash restrictions to ensure you get the best shots without disturbing others.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Glassmaking

The Shanghai Museum of Glass delves into the fascinating world of glass, showcasing its journey from natural formation to human artistry. Visitors can gain an overview of how glass is produced in nature and explore the history of glassmaking by humans.Reddit This educational aspect provides context for the stunning art pieces on display.

The museum actively promotes contemporary glass art through its 'Vanguard' project. This initiative invites artists to push the boundaries of what's possible with glass, resulting in a diverse collection of innovative and thought-provoking installations.Instagram The sheer malleability and potential of glass are on full display, challenging perceptions of the material.

Witnessing live glassblowing demonstrations is a highlight for many. Artisans use traditional techniques, often employing bamboo tubes reminiscent of ancient methods, to create intricate works of art right before your eyes.Reddit This hands-on display of craftsmanship offers a unique appreciation for the skill involved in glass art.

Experiencing the Museum's Unique Features

Beyond the traditional exhibits, the Shanghai Museum of Glass offers several unique attractions. The Glass Garden is a captivating outdoor space where sculptures are designed to interact with sunlight. Embedded metal oxides cause these pieces to change color based on the angle of the sun, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving display.Reddit

Prepare for a playful optical illusion on the walk-on glass floor. This feature is ingeniously constructed with multiple laminated layers and air gaps, designed to trick your perception of depth and create fascinating visual effects.Reddit It's a fun and memorable experience that adds an interactive element to the visit.

For those seeking a more serene experience, arriving before the museum lights are switched on offers a special ambiance. This 'night at the museum' feel provides a tranquil setting to appreciate the art in a different light.Instagram It's a tip that enhances the overall visit, offering a unique perspective on the exhibits.

Family Fun and Workshops

The Shanghai Museum of Glass is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of education and entertainment. It's described as a perfect place for adults and children to spend their weekend.Reddit The museum provides a comprehensive look at glass, making it an engaging learning experience for younger visitors.

One of the key attractions for families are the kids' workshops, where children can actively participate and create their own glass-related items.Reddit These hands-on activities are not only fun but also foster creativity and a deeper connection with the art form. The museum also features indoor and outdoor play areas, ensuring that children have plenty of space to explore and enjoy themselves.

With exhibit descriptions available in both English and Chinese, the museum is friendly to English speakers and accessible to a diverse range of visitors. This ensures that families from different backgrounds can fully appreciate the exhibits and activities offered. Reddit

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