Contemporary art in a historic colonial-era building
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A comprehensive guide to Shanghai's premier contemporary art museum in a historic building.
Rockbund Art Museum is housed in a historic building that was once the Royal Asiatic Society. Located at the northern end of the Bund, this elegant colonial architecture now showcases cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions.
The museum's mission is to promote contemporary art and cultural exchange. Its impressive exhibitions feature works by both Chinese and international artists, covering a wide range of media from painting and sculpture to installation and video art. The building itself is a masterpiece of colonial-era architecture, blending perfectly with modern art installations.
Start your visit at the Rockbund Art Museum, exploring the contemporary art exhibitions in the historic colonial building. Take time to appreciate the building's architectural details, including its elegant facade and interior spaces.
After the museum, wander along the northern Bund area, which features other historic buildings and art galleries. Visit the Rockbund Art Museum Cafe for refreshments and browse the museum shop for unique art-related gifts.
Summer Special Exhibition 2026: Youth Palace
• Dates: June 1 – September 20, 2026
• Venue: Rockbund Art Museum (20 Huqiu Road)
• Curator: Zhu Xiaorui (Director & Chief Curator)
• Scale: 30+ artists from China and abroad, across all 5 floors
• Ticket: 21 RMB "tuition fee"
1F Self-Defense Training Space: The entrance transformed into a self-defense training ground, emphasizing individual power and community protection for minority groups.
2F Virtual Affairs Hall: Ge Yulu's "Virtual Affairs Hall" turns the exhibition hall into a relaxed, "anti-utilitarian" space with a soccer field, lounge chairs, and a daydreaming zone.
3F Youth Burnout: Italian artist Diego Marcon's first China exhibition features looping videos of exhausted children, exploring adolescent burnout in contemporary society.
4F Institutional Burnout: Iranian-German artist Nairy Baghramian + Korean artist Cha Jae-min create a maze layout with dead ends, using clay-textured sculptures to metaphorize institutional fatigue.
5F Body Adventure: Artist Li Ming recreates classic Children's Palace facilities - a climbable balance beam and net passage, inviting visitors to relive childhood collective adventures.
The images on the right show the museum's exterior and interior.
Museum Exterior
No.20 Huqiu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
October - November (spring-like weather) and March - May
Evening visits (19:00-21:00) for light shows
Free general admission
Special exhibitions may have separate fees
Web: https://www.rockbundartmuseum.org/
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