Enjoy China

For international visitors looking to experience cutting-edge art and unique architectural aesthetics in Shanghai, the Museum of Art Pudong (MAP), nestled on the Lujiazui riverfront, is undoubtedly an exciting new destination. It is not just a dazzling new star on Pudong’s, and indeed Shanghai’s, cultural landscape, but also a bridge connecting international art trends with China’s flourishing art ecosystem. Here, you can immerse yourself in diverse art forms, experience the impact of international-level exhibitions, and simultaneously admire the magnificent views of both sides of the Huangpu River.

Architectural Beauty: A Work of Art Itself

The Museum of Art Pudong was designed by the world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, and its architecture is a striking work of art in its own right. The main body of the museum utilizes large areas of glass curtain walls and white granite, giving it a minimalist yet modern appearance that harmoniously converses with the surrounding Lujiazui skyscraper cluster. The most distinctive design highlights are two outwardly extending “glass boxes” – these are two multi-functional art spaces that seem to float on the museum’s facade, facing both the Huangpu River and the Lujiazui Central Greenbelt, offering visitors unique viewing perspectives.

Nouvel’s design philosophy aims to blur the boundaries between architecture and environment, allowing light and scenery to naturally integrate into the exhibition halls, creating an immersive artistic experience. At night, when the museum’s interior is brightly lit, these glass boxes appear crystal clear against the darkness, reflecting the dazzling lights of Pudong and becoming a beautiful spectacle along the Huangpu River.

International Vision and Diverse Exhibitions

Since its opening in 2021, the Museum of Art Pudong has quickly garnered widespread attention for its high-caliber, international exhibitions. The museum is dedicated to introducing world-class art resources and collaborating with globally renowned art institutions and museums to present diverse and forward-looking artworks to its audience.

World-Class Collaborations: The museum has established long-term partnerships with leading international art institutions such as the Tate Modern and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain. This means you’ll have the opportunity to see significant art exhibitions in Shanghai that you might typically only find in art capitals like London or Paris.

Rich and Varied Exhibition Content: Exhibitions cover various forms, including classical masterworks, modern art masterpieces, contemporary installation art, new media art, and photography exhibitions. Whether you’re an enthusiast of traditional art or have a strong interest in contemporary art, you’ll find captivating exhibitions here.

Immersive Experience: The interior exhibition spaces of the museum are flexible and adaptable, with high ceilings and spacious layouts providing ideal venues for large-scale installation art and immersive exhibitions. Many exhibitions strive to break traditional viewing patterns, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with and experience the artworks.

Exploring the Museum’s Various Levels

Beyond the core exhibition areas, the Museum of Art Pudong also offers a wealth of additional experiences:

Mirror Room: The museum features a unique “Mirror Room” composed of massive mirrored walls. Through clever reflection, it infinitely extends the views of both sides of the Huangpu River and the museum’s internal structure, creating a surreal visual effect. This is an excellent spot for taking photos and an important space for experiencing the interaction between architecture and environment.

Outdoor Spaces and Sculptures: The public spaces and riverside promenade surrounding the museum are often adorned with art sculptures and installations, providing a place to relax and enjoy outdoor art in addition to viewing indoor exhibitions.

Museum Shop: Located within the museum, the shop offers cultural and creative products related to exhibition themes, art books, and designer goods, making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

Cafes and Restaurants: The museum has cafes and dining facilities where you can take a break, enjoy light meals or coffee, while admiring the beautiful views of the Huangpu River from the windows.

Location and Surrounding Experiences

The Museum of Art Pudong’s prime location also adds to its unique appeal. It is situated in the heart of Lujiazui, adjacent to famous landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, and Shanghai International Convention Center. This means you can combine your museum visit with surrounding attractions to create a fulfilling and diverse one-day Shanghai itinerary.

Riverside Promenade: Right outside the museum is the wide Lujiazui Riverside Promenade, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, feeling the breeze from the Huangpu River, and enjoying the urban scenery on both banks.

Oriental Pearl and City Skyline: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is within walking distance, and climbing to its top offers panoramic views of Shanghai, allowing you to experience the grandeur of this international metropolis.

Dining and Shopping: The Lujiazui area is home to numerous high-end shopping malls and restaurants, providing a wide array of dining and shopping options.

Helpful Tips

• Tickets and Reservations: The Museum of Art Pudong usually requires advance ticket reservations. It is recommended to book through the official website or WeChat official account. Some special exhibitions may require separate ticket purchases.
• Opening Hours: Generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays. Please refer to the official website for specific opening hours.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, and the museum is within walking distance.
• Allocate Time: It is recommended to set aside at least 3-4 hours for your visit to fully experience all the exhibition halls and the architecture itself.
• Photography: Photography is generally allowed inside the museum (flash photography is prohibited), but please be sure to follow specific rules within each gallery and respect the artworks and other visitors’ viewing experience.

The Museum of Art Pudong is more than just an art museum; it is a comprehensive space that integrates art, architecture, urban landscape, and cultural experience. For international visitors seeking in-depth cultural experiences and cutting-edge artistic exploration, it is undoubtedly an excellent choice to feel the vibrancy of Shanghai as a global art capital.