Shanghai · art museum
Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆, Shànghǎi Dāngdài Yìshù Bówùguǎn)
The Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆) opened in 2012 inside the former Shanghai Thermal Power Plant (Nanhong Power Plant / 南市发电厂) on the Huangpu River waterfront in the Huangpu District. The 5,000 sqm museum occupies the original power plant building — a 1897 British-built Art Deco industrial structure with a dramatic 165m tall brick chimney. It was converted into China's first state-run contemporary art museum and has since hosted major international exhibitions including the Venice Biennale and the Shanghai Biennale. The museum focuses on contemporary Chinese and international art, design, and architecture.
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Quick Answer
Is Power Station of Art worth visiting?
Shanghai's state-run contemporary art museum inside a former thermal power plant — China's first state-run contemporary art museum, hosting major international exhibitions and the Shanghai Biennale. ¥60.
Quick facts
| Category | art |
|---|---|
| Ticket | ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students). Free for children under 1.3m. Special exhibitions may charge differently. Free on the first Sunday of each month. |
| Hours | 11:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00). Closed Mondays. |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours. |
| Best time to visit | Tuesday-Sunday mornings (11:00-14:00) when light is best for photography. The Shanghai Biennale (usually October-December of even years) is the peak time to visit. Avoid major Chinese holidays. |
| How to get there | Metro Line 4 or 12 to Dashijie Station (大世界站), Exit 1, then walk 10 minutes. Metro Line 10 to Yirao Road Station (豫园站), Exit 1, then walk 15 minutes. From the Bund by foot: 20 minutes. Bus routes 454, 783, 789 to Power Station stop. |
| English signage | partial |
Why visit
This is the definitive venue for contemporary art in China — the Shanghai Biennale (上海双年展) hosted here is one of the most prestigious international biennale exhibitions in Asia. The industrial architecture of the power plant building — especially the dramatic brick chimney and turbine hall — is itself worth the visit.
Collection highlights
- Industrial architecture — the original 1897 British-built Art Deco power plant building, including the dramatic 165m tall brick chimney and turbine hall
- Shanghai Biennale (上海双年展) — China's most prestigious international contemporary art biennale, held every two years (usually in October-December)
- International contemporary art exhibitions — rotating exhibitions of major Chinese and international contemporary artists
- "Design Museum" gallery — the museum's design and architecture gallery, focusing on contemporary Chinese design
- Huangpu River waterfront location — the museum offers views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River
- Power Station history exhibition — a permanent exhibition on the history of the building as a working power plant
Tips
- Check the exhibition schedule before visiting — some major international exhibitions require separate ticketing
- The Shanghai Biennale (every two years) is the most significant event — plan your visit around it if possible
- Combine with the nearby "Xintiandi" (新天地) and "Tianzifang" (田子坊) art districts for a full day of Shanghai culture
- The rooftop offers views of the Pudong skyline — go at sunset
- The museum has an excellent bookshop and cafe
- Photography is allowed but flash is prohibited in exhibition halls
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the Shanghai Museum of Art?
No — the "Shanghai Museum" (上海博物馆) on People's Square is an ancient Chinese art museum. The Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆) is specifically for contemporary art. They are completely different institutions.
What is the Shanghai Biennale?
The Shanghai Biennale (上海双年展) is China's most prestigious international contemporary art exhibition, first held in 1996 and hosted at the Power Station of Art since 2012. It showcases major international and Chinese contemporary artists and is held every two years (even years). The next Biennale is typically October-December of even years.
Is the Power Station of Art suitable for children?
Moderate — contemporary art exhibitions may not engage younger children. The industrial architecture (chimney, turbine hall) is impressive for all ages. Teenagers interested in art and architecture will benefit most.
Does it have English signage?
Partial — major exhibitions have English labels. The industrial architecture sections have English. No English audio guide as of 2026.
Can I combine this with other Shanghai museums?
Yes — the Power Station of Art is near the "Xintiandi" and "Tianzifang" areas. The Shanghai Museum (ancient art) is 20 minutes away by metro. The Long Museum West Bund (当代艺术博物馆, Long美术馆西岸馆) is 15 minutes away by metro — combine for a full art-focused day.
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