Live Your Best Lives
The Yicang Art Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in contemporary Chinese art. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions featuring modern artists, attend art workshops, and enjoy the architecture of the museum itself. It's also an excellent spot for art lovers to discover new local and international talent.
Yicang Art Museum, located on Binjiang Avenue in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, is a rare art sanctuary. Renovated from the Laobaidu coal bunker, which was on the verge of demolition, it boasts a unique and distinctive artistic style. Advocating the concept of "art in life," it utilizes the multi-dimensional platform of an art museum to regularly host various art exhibitions, many of which are masterpieces. Besides its unique design, its location is also exceptional. The exhibition halls are meticulously arranged, imbued with an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, resulting in a high rate of photo-taking and a vibrant artistic atmosphere.
Subtropical monsoon climate
Suitable for all seasons
1-3 hours
free
10:00-18:00; Ticket sales stop at 17:30; Admission ends at 17:30 (Tuesday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
The Yicang Art Museum is an important cultural institution in Shanghai, showcasing contemporary art from both local and international artists. The museum aims to promote art education and cultural exchange through its exhibitions and events. It plays a significant role in Shanghai’s vibrant art scene, offering a platform for emerging artists.
The Yicang Art Museum is located in the Jing'an District of Shanghai, easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi. The closest metro station is the Jing'an Temple station (Line 2 and Line 7), which is about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Taxis and buses are also readily available in the area.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. The best time to visit is on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or late in the afternoon, to avoid the weekend crowds.
The entrance fee for the Yicang Art Museum varies depending on the exhibition, but it typically ranges from 30 to 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s ticket counter or online through the museum’s official website or third-party ticketing platforms.
While tickets are not mandatory to be booked in advance for regular exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets ahead of time for special exhibitions or events, particularly during weekends or public holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
A typical visit to the Yicang Art Museum lasts around 1-2 hours. If you wish to explore all the exhibitions in detail or participate in an art workshop, plan for about 2-3 hours.
The main highlight of the museum is its rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, which showcase works by both established and emerging artists. The architecture and design of the museum itself are also worth noting, as it blends modern aesthetics with functional space. Don't miss any special installations or temporary exhibitions that may be on display during your visit.
Guided tours are available at the museum, typically in Mandarin, but English-speaking guides can also be arranged with prior notice. Audio guides are available in both Mandarin and English for self-guided tours.
The best photography spots include the museum's sleek, modern architecture, and the art installations. The main exhibition hall offers plenty of opportunities for capturing unique art pieces. Photography is allowed, but flash photography may be restricted in some exhibition areas.
Start with the main exhibition hall to view the primary collection. If there are temporary exhibitions, be sure to check those out next. Finally, visit the smaller galleries or art installations, which may provide a more intimate experience. You can also explore the museum shop and cafe toward the end of your visit.
While the Yicang Art Museum does not offer special light shows, the museum occasionally holds evening events or special art-related workshops. It’s best to check the museum's website for any night-time activities or evening events.
The museum can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during special exhibitions. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The museum has well-maintained restrooms, a small cafe for refreshments, and a museum shop offering art-related products and souvenirs. Water fountains are available, and there are seating areas inside for visitors to rest.
Yes, the Yicang Art Museum is fully accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The museum has ramps and elevators, making it easy to navigate for those with mobility issues. It is also family-friendly, with activities available for children during special events.
Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay, and international credit cards) are accepted at the museum. Cash is not necessary, as digital payments are widely used in Shanghai.
There is a small cafe inside the museum for light refreshments. Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining, serving Chinese and international cuisine.
Yes, there are several nearby restaurants offering vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options, catering to different dietary preferences.
There are several hotels within a short distance from the museum, including mid-range options like The Anandi Hotel & Spa and the more upscale Hotel Nikko Shanghai. Budget accommodations are also available in the area.
Nearby attractions include Jing'an Temple, Nanjing Road (for shopping), and the Shanghai Natural History Museum. A day trip can also include a visit to the Bund or Shanghai Museum, which are easily accessible from the museum.
The museum shop offers a variety of art-related products, including prints, postcards, and locally designed crafts. You can also find books on contemporary art and other museum-themed souvenirs.
After visiting the Yicang Art Museum, you can easily take a taxi or metro to other parts of the city. The Jing'an Temple metro station (Line 2) is close, providing quick access to other popular areas like the Bund, Xintiandi, or the Shanghai Tower.
