By Nuna Atadja
Marvel fans get ready. There is a place where you can celebrate the superheroes and villains you’ve been worshipping since you were a kid. (And you can bring your kids too…)
Located between the towering buildings of Shanghai’s Silicon Valley - Zhang Jiang Science and Technology Park - the Shanghai Animation and Comics Museum is definitely a place to put on your list of things to see. Although it may seem far, after arriving at this interactive museum, you and your children will be glad that you made the journey.
After purchasing tickets (RMB30, children under 1.2m free), you can start your adventure on the first floor, which boasts a collection of over 7,000 stills and models of crowd-favorites such as Iron Man 2, The Prince of Egypt and The Incredible Hulk.
The second floor has a more interactive element, inviting people to create animations and comics. One can also learn about the intricate production of animation film. Finally, the third floor houses a lofty 3D movie theater and several other multi-purpose rooms.
Located on the first floor, the Evolution Hall is probably the museum’s most intriguing attraction. Guided with hundreds of visual aids, videos, pictures, and actual props, this exhibit provides a fully extensive view of the history of the most popular animations and comics known today.
It meanders through time to show some of the most monumental advancements animation, including the first animation film with sound, Steamboat Willie from 1928, and the first animation film to use color, Flowers in the Trees from 1932. It embeds the work of animation giants such as Warner Bros., DreamWorks and Disney, to provide the familiar faces of Bugs Bunny, Kung Fu Panda and Donald Duck.
The hall next to it delivers a different sort of vibe. This exhibit showcases work from famous Shanghai artists and animators. The museum does a fantastic job replicating the workspaces of these artists, as well as beautifully preserving their aged work.
Having gathered inspiration and ideas from the works of the first floor, the second floor is the place to put those skills into practice. Several computers are provided to encourage people to try to maneuver the world of computer graphics on their own. Be prepared to see only Chinese on the computer and a lack of enthusiasm from the limited staff for help, though.
Other activities include sand painting, recording booth simulations and actual arcade games that are waiting to be used.
If your kids are more kinesthetic learners, you can give a try at the DIY clay model creation booth that sits in the middle of the room. Things may get messy, but fun will be had. And for a measly RMB10 your kids can walk away with a recreation of their favorite character.
Most of the third floor is filled with uninteresting offices and meeting rooms. But the most appealing thing is the 3D movie theatre that is tucked at the corner of the hall. Costing an additional RMB60, unfortunately it is only available once a day on weekdays, and twice a day on the weekends.
This museum is for those who are young, and those who are young at heart. Be prepared for instant nostalgia for you and genuine smiles from your kids.
// Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Shanghai Animation and Comics Museum, 69 Zhangjiang Lu, by Guoshoujing Lu, 浦东张江路69号,近郭守敬路(5895 7998)
