Yuz Museum
A contemporary art hub in Shanghai, Yuz Museum captivates with striking architecture and immersive exhibitions like the Rain Room.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to get tickets
Yuz Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to get tickets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A contemporary art hub in Shanghai, Yuz Museum captivates with striking architecture and immersive exhibitions like the Rain Room.
"The Egyptian exhibition is totally worth it, especially the VR experience."
🎟️ Book Egyptian Exhibit Tickets
Snatch tickets online via WeChat 2 weeks ahead; they sell out fast!
🚶♀️ Plan for Two Locations
Yuz Museum has multiple sites. Check which exhibition is where before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Egyptian Civilization Exhibition
People's Square Branch
Journey through ancient Egypt with artifacts, sculptures, and even a VR experience. A must-see for history buffs.
Rain Room Installation
People's Square Branch
Experience a mesmerizing room where rain falls but you stay dry. An interactive art installation that captivates.
Grace Weaver Exhibition
Yuz Project Space
Explore introspective contemporary art by Grace Weaver, delving into themes of self-consciousness and the artist's studio.
Public Art Project 'Wander'
Panlong Tiandi
Discover outdoor plaster sculptures by Syaiful Aulia Garibaldi that blend art, ecology, and traditional wisdom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Understand the Two Locations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Egyptian Exhibit Tickets
Snatch tickets online via WeChat 2 weeks ahead; they sell out fast!
🚶♀️ Plan for Two Locations
Yuz Museum has multiple sites. Check which exhibition is where before you go.
🎧 Audio Guide for Egypt
Consider the audio guide for the Egyptian exhibit, but it's an extra cost.
🗣️ Chinese Descriptions
Many exhibit descriptions are in Chinese; have a translator app ready.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Egyptian Exhibit Tickets
Snatch tickets online via WeChat 2 weeks ahead; they sell out fast!
🚶♀️ Plan for Two Locations
Yuz Museum has multiple sites. Check which exhibition is where before you go.
🎧 Audio Guide for Egypt
Consider the audio guide for the Egyptian exhibit, but it's an extra cost.
🗣️ Chinese Descriptions
Many exhibit descriptions are in Chinese; have a translator app ready.
🏛️ Free Permanent Exhibits
Enjoy free access to permanent collections like furniture and minority arts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yuz Museum for its impressive architecture and engaging special exhibitions, particularly the Egyptian artifacts and the interactive Rain Room. While permanent collections are free and valuable, securing tickets for temporary shows requires advance planning due to high demand.
"上海博物馆 (人民广场馆)
The museum is spread over 2 buildings, some distance apart. This is the one at Renmin Square.
Free to enter but you need to plan early and snatch tickets online in advance. The slots open at 12.10pm thru their WeChat account 2 wks out (recommend going in at 12nn and keep refreshing the page until it opens). All the slots were snapped up within 20 mins or so.
Level 1: A special Egyptian themed exhibit split across 3 halls - The Secrets of Saqqara, The Land of Pharoahs and The Age of Tutankhamun. On till 17 Aug 2025.
Wasn't my intent to see this, having been to Saqqara before. But this is what the locals are here for hence the tight ticket situation (cause you first need a general entry into the museum).
I paid ¥30 for an audio guide, thinking it was for the normal exhibits, only to realise it's just for the Egyptian showcase. As such, I paid another ¥148 for the ticket to the 3 exhibit halls. The audio guide only covered slightly more than half the exhibits, and with the many tour groups and crowds, it would have been more effective if the earphones are noise-cancelling.
Level 3 & 4: Free to enter. A hall on Costumes of the Minority Groups in China, another on Ming Qing Furniture and a special exhibit hall on carvings made out of Rhino horns."
Daphne Yeo
"Visited in December last year
Free for all
Booked thru Shanghai museum mini app on wechat..Pick the time slot you want
Weekend available slot only about two weeks later.
Bring your passport along
Beautiful relics."
Petrie
"As of April 2025, the main exhibition is "The Civilization of Ancient Egyptian" special exhibition, with many permanent exhibitions relocated to the Pudong branch ("Shanghai Museum East Campus" on Google Maps), leaving only three permanent exhibition halls at the People's Square branch.
That's why I spent most of time here on Egyptian exhibitions, the artifacts on display are very well curated with tools, sculptures, tablets, four thousand years old bread, and many historical pieces on display, visualizing the ancient civilization on many aspects.
Notes that the names of the exhibits are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, but the full description or extended explanation is in Chinese, so make sure your translator app is ready.
I spent about an hour at the permanent exhibitions, the displays of Chinese furniture and Chinese minorities' arts and crafts were interesting, but not on the scale that I expected to see here.
The permanent exhibition is free, but I couldn't find a way to book the ticket or tell the staff that I just wanted to walk-in. I ended up booking the special exhibition for 148 CNY/person through the "上海博物馆参观预约" WeChat miniapp, just show on your phone that you booked and they will let you in the front entrance, the actual ticket validation is at the entrance of each special exhibition hall using your passport number.
Even though I did not expect to see ancient Egyptian artifacts in Shanghai, I believe the special exhibition is worth the price, but this is not the place to learn about Chinese and Shanghai history. If you happen to be in the area, the alternative ones are Shanghai Historical Museum and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, both of which are in the People's Square area (disclaimer: I have yet to visit these two)."
Phuwathid Summaviwat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Yuz Museum is located at People's Square. Public transport like the metro is recommended. For specific exhibitions like those at Panlong Tiandi, check local transport options as they might be in different districts.
Yes, the People's Square location is well-served by Shanghai's metro system. Other Yuz Museum project spaces might require different transport methods, so it's best to check their specific location.
If you plan to visit multiple Yuz Museum sites, using ride-sharing apps or taxis is often the most convenient way to travel between them, especially if they are in different districts.
Parking availability can vary by location. For the main People's Square branch, public parking garages are usually available nearby. It's advisable to check for specific parking information for any other Yuz Museum project spaces.
The main Yuz Museum at People's Square is centrally located. Other Yuz Museum project spaces, like those in water towns, might be further out, requiring more travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the permanent exhibitions at the People's Square branch is free. However, special exhibitions, such as the Egyptian Civilization exhibit, require a separate ticket, which can cost around 150 RMB.
Yes, for popular special exhibitions like the Egyptian one, advance booking is essential. Tickets are released two weeks prior via the Shanghai Museum WeChat account and sell out within minutes.
Tickets for special exhibitions are typically booked through the Shanghai Museum's official WeChat mini-program. Keep an eye on their announcements for release dates and times.
Yes, permanent exhibitions are generally free. Special temporary exhibitions, like the Egyptian artifacts, have a separate admission fee.
While permanent exhibits are free to walk into, special exhibitions require pre-booked tickets. It's highly recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Egyptian Civilization exhibition is a major draw. The 'Rain Room' installation is also highly recommended for its unique interactive experience. Don't miss contemporary art shows like Grace Weaver's. 
Interactive exhibits like the 'Rain Room' and immersive art installations can be engaging for children. However, some contemporary art might be more abstract.
Depending on the exhibitions you plan to see, you could spend anywhere from 1-2 hours for a quick visit to a full afternoon if you explore multiple exhibits and permanent collections.
Audio guides are available for specific exhibitions, such as the Egyptian showcase, for an additional fee. Check onsite for availability and languages.
The 'Rain Room' is an immersive art installation where a sensor detects your movement, creating a localized area of rain that stops where you stand, allowing you to walk through a downpour without getting wet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on dining options within the Yuz Museum itself is limited. It's advisable to check their official website or inquire upon arrival. Many visitors opt to dine in the surrounding areas.
The People's Square area, where the main museum is located, offers a wide array of dining choices, from local eateries to international cuisine. Exploring the surrounding streets will provide many options.
Generally, museums have policies against bringing outside food and drinks into exhibition halls. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in permanent collection areas, but special exhibitions may have restrictions. Always check signage.
Photography is usually allowed in the 'Rain Room', but flash photography is typically prohibited to avoid disrupting the experience for others and to protect the artwork.
The 'Rain Room' offers unique photo opportunities. The architecture of the museum itself, designed by Sou Fujimoto, is also very photogenic.
Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, can provide fewer crowds, making it easier to capture photos without many people in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While permanent collections like Chinese furniture and minority arts might be less engaging for very young children, the museum's open spaces and the sheer scale of some installations can still be captivating. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more enjoyable for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special exhibitions like the Egyptian one have a fee (around 150 RMB), the opportunity to see world-class art without a hefty price tag for the permanent collections is a significant draw for budget-conscious travelers.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1With its striking architecture and commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic expression, from immersive installations like the Rain Room to thought-provoking contemporary pieces, Yuz Museum offers a rich and varied experience for those passionate about art.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Yuz Museum
This architectural approach aims to create a unique visitor experience, blurring the lines between the interior galleries and the surrounding environment. The design encourages exploration and contemplation, making the journey through the museum as engaging as the art itself. It's a space that invites visitors to interact with the architecture as much as the displayed works.
Beyond the main building, Yuz Museum also utilizes other spaces, such as the Yuz Project Space and installations in areas like Panlong Tiandi, often integrating art into existing or revitalized urban and natural landscapes. This demonstrates a commitment to diverse exhibition formats and site-specific art.
Navigating Special Exhibitions
Securing tickets for these popular exhibitions is a critical planning step. As noted by visitors, slots often open two weeks in advance via the museum's WeChat account and can be gone within 20 minutes. This highlights the need for vigilance and prompt action if you wish to see a specific temporary exhibition.
When attending these special exhibitions, be prepared for potential crowds, especially on weekends. While an audio guide is available for some, like the Egyptian exhibit, its effectiveness can be impacted by noise and crowds. Consider visiting during weekdays if possible for a more relaxed experience.
The 'Rain Room' Experience
It's an interactive and almost magical encounter that plays with perception and technology. The effect is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, offering a unique sensory experience that many visitors find unforgettable. The interplay of light, sound, and water creates a truly captivating atmosphere.
Photography is generally permitted, but flash is usually prohibited. The best way to experience the Rain Room is to simply immerse yourself in the moment and let the art wash over you. It's a highlight that often leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit