With temperatures going rogue this week, it seems we are quickly heading towards summer. This heat brings on thoughts of where to escape from the heat. If you plan to hang out with your families or friends, a museum is an excellent choice, offer you air conditioning and free entry or half-price promotions, thanks to the International Museums Day. According to Shine, there are 105 museums in total which will remain free from May 18 to May 20.
1. Shanghai Museum
The museum is currently showing an exhibition titled Landscapes of the Mind Masterpieces from Tate Britain 1700-1980. As the name suggests, visitors will learn about the development of British landscape paintings through these masterpieces by world-renowned painters such as Turner and John Constable. Specialized lectures are also available.
9am-5pm; Free entry. Shanghai Museum, see listing here.
2. Shanghai History Museum
Although newly opened to the public, the Shanghai History Museum is a magnet for visitors. Everyday citizens and tourists alike have been rushing to the museum to immerse themselves in the history and culture of this city. The HSBC lion, once the landmark of the Bund, has recently been placed on display again. See our family guide here for more details.
9am-5pm; Free entry. Shanghai History Museum, see listing here.
3. Shanghai Auto Museum
As China's first professional car museum, Shanghai Auto Museum is home to an impressive display of 70 vehicles, some even dating back to the birth of automobiles. Except on the set of the Fast and Furious or Transformers, where else can you find such a fabulous collection of cars?
9.30am-4.30pm; Free entry (Fri); RMB30 (Sat and Sun). Shanghai Auto Museum, see listing here.
4. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Since International Museums Day overlaps with Shanghai Science and Technology Festival (May 19-26), this week will see Shanghai Science and Technology Museum arranging an assortment of activities and workshops. There will be a special exhibition named the Story of Time, which reveals the relationship between people and time, by showcasing an assortment of clocks and watches. In addition, visitors will have the chance to try out the latest high-tech products.
9am-5.15pm (closed Mondays); RMB30. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, see listing here.
5. Tushanwan Museum
Tushanwan is the origin of Shanghai culture and the birthplace of modern art and craft. Tushanwan Museum exhibits the masterpieces of many Chinese craftsmen, which plays a vital role in the communication between Chinese and Western cultures. From 6pm-9pm this Friday, May 18, the museum will hold Kazak ballad performance, where visitors can learn and feel the diverse and distinctive ethnic culture of China.
9am-4.30pm (closed Mondays); Free entry. Tushanwan Museum, see listing here.
6. Shanghai Camera History Museum
If you are a photography enthusiast, Shanghai Camera History Museum is a must-visit for you. Shanghai Camera History Museum collects all kinds of old-fashioned cameras. In addition to these antiques, there is also a photo exhibition displaying the development of cameras.
10am-8pm; Free entry. Shanghai Camera History Museum, see listing here.
7. Shanghai Natural History Museum
On the night of May 18 (6.30pm-9pm), Shanghai Natural History Museum will hold a special dinosaur-themed evening, where families can attend different activities including interactive performances and scientific lectures and workshops, all culminating into an enjoyable and unforgettable night about dinosaurs.
9am-5.15pm (closed Mondays); RMB15. Shanghai Natural History Museum, see listing here.
If you are not a fan of museums, don’t worry. Since China Tourism Day falls on Saturday, May 19, approximately 65 tourist attractions across the city will offer half-price promotions. These discounts include Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Shanghai Chen Shan Botanical Garden and Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World. With so many locations on promotion, take your pick and have fun.
