Shanghai Museum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bowers Museum in the United States, to collaboratively build a permanent gallery dedicated to ancient Chinese art. According to Shanghai Museum, the agreement marks the launch of its first overseas branch.

The memorandum also marked the second collaboration between the two museums after an exhibition showcasing 5,000 years of Chinese art and culture at the Bowers Museum in 2007.

Bowers Museum is a non-profit museum founded in 1936, showcasing global artifacts and craft works. It is located near Irvine town 60 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, providing easy access to global tourists.

The collaboration is aligned with Shanghai Museum's initiative to promote Chinese culture globally and expand its influence on the world stage.

Unveiled in December 2022, the project outlines a "3+X" development framework, with its core consisting of the museum's three pavilions, namely the headquarters on the People's Square, also known as Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Museum East, and the Shanghai Museum North, which is still under construction. The "X" component represents a flexible approach to expansion, including overseas branches, "museum within a museum" initiatives, and long-term collaborations on Chinese art exhibitions.

As the museum's first overseas branch, the permanent gallery on ancient Chinese art at Bowers Museum is expected to open to the public next year, according to Shanghai Museum.