Museum fans rejoice. You will have free access to 126 museums across Shanghai on Saturday and Sunday thanks to International Museum Day, reports Shine.
The annual International Museum Day dates back to 1977. This year’s theme is ‘Museums as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition.’ “The festival isn’t only for museum professionals,” An Laishun, vice president of the International Council of Museums, told The Paper. “It is to create an opportunity to shorten the distance between museums and the public.”
Image via The Paper
In accordance with the theme, museums around town will provide free admission to residents and tourists alike. This year, 21 additional museums will participate in the event, compared to 105 museums last year.
Aside from free entry, 220 corresponding cultural events will be held to celebrate the special occasion. For instance, the new Fengxian Museum, which officially opened to the public today, will invite several lecturers to share their insights on Emperor Yongzheng.
Image via Bendibao
It is worth mentioning that the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Guanfu Museum, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Film Museum and Jewish Refugee Museum will only provide half-price promotions.
A great number of netizens are excited for the promotion since it will encourage more citizens to learn more about art, culture and history. However, there are also netizens that think the free promotions will only invite countless people.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to waive the admission fee,” commented one netizen. “It becomes really hard to take in anything with tons of people murmuring around you.”
With China Tourism Day also taking place this weekend, you can bet there will be thousands of visitors swarming various attractions. Our advice? Try less popular places and you may encounter unexpected surprises… and less people.
[Cover image via Wikipedia]
