Shanghai Museum East reopens with enhanced exhibitions, interactive spaces

Shanghai Museum East will reopen on June 26, following an extensive renovation that promises a fresh and enriching experience for visitors, announced the museum during a press briefing on June 24, showcasing significant enhancements to its permanent exhibition halls and the introduction of new themed galleries and interactive spaces.

The revamped museum now offers access to 80 percent of its total space for public viewing, with a boosted daily visitor capacity of up to 20,000 individuals. Among the highlights are four permanent exhibition halls dedicated to ceramics, numismatics, jade, and seals, each offering a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of ancient China.

The Ceramics Gallery, located on the third floor of the museum, spans an impressive 1800 square meters and features 558 carefully selected artifacts, with half of them being unveiled to the public for the first time. Divided into seven sections, this exhibition traces the evolution of ancient Chinese ceramics and allows visitors to interact with select artifacts under specified conditions, offering a unique hands-on experience.

The Numismatics Gallery boasts an expanded collection of over 6,000 coins, making it the hall with the largest number of cultural relics on display at Shanghai Museum East. New sections dedicated to the currency of the Republic of China and revolutionary base currency during the War Against Japanese Invasion (1931 to 1945) have been added, enriching the narrative of China's historical monetary systems.

The Jade Gallery showcases nearly 350 jade pieces spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911), introducing new categories such as turquoise, agate, and jadeite to enhance visitors' understanding of ancient jade materials. Meanwhile, the Seal Gallery presents 573 artifacts, focusing on the historical significance and artistic evolution of Chinese seals and seal engravings.

In addition to the permanent exhibition halls, the museum introduces two new exhibition spaces: "Shanghai Archeology" and "China and the World: Ceramics and Exchange", offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and the country's global cultural connections.

To enhance visitor engagement, the museum has added four interactive spaces, including the Open Conservation Lab, the Curio City, and the Digital Gallery. The Open Conservation Lab allows visitors to observe experts restoring various artifacts up close, while the Curio City offers interactive activities for children and teenagers, allowing them to immerse themselves in roles such as archaeologists and curators. The Digital Gallery, a cultural and creative space, features multimedia exhibitions showcasing the stylistic features of Chinese Jiangnan landscape paintings across different historical periods.

Shanghai Museum East, the eastern branch of the Shanghai Museum, serves as a cultural treasure trove showcasing China's diverse historical heritage. The museum's reopening signifies a renewed commitment to providing a world-class experience for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. To facilitate easy access between the two branches, double-deck buses will operate during select hours, ensuring seamless transit for visitors eager to explore the rich cultural offerings of both locations.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.