The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (上海犹太难民纪念馆) is a powerful and poignant tribute to the thousands of Jewish refugees who sought safety and sanctuary in Shanghai during World War II. Located in the Hongkou district of Shanghai, the museum is housed in the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue, which served as a spiritual center for the Jewish community in Shanghai.
The museum was established in 2007, on the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Jewish refugees in Shanghai. Its mission is to preserve and share the stories of the refugees and to ensure that their experiences are never forgotten. The museum is not only a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for compassion and generosity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
- Vlog about Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Museums about Shanghai’s History
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.shhkjrm.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-55133186 |
Location and Transportation
The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum is housed in the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue, which is located at 62 Changyang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China. Visitors can reach the museum by taking public transportation such as buses or the subway.
Bus: Take bus 13 or 845, get off at Dongchangzhi Road Gongping Road Bus Hub (东长治路公平路枢纽站), and walk about 50 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Metro: Take metro line 12, get off at Tilan Bridge Station (提篮桥站), and walk about 200 meters to the east to reach the museum.
Exhibitions in Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Jewish Refugees in Shanghai
The exhibition at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum is divided into several sections, each of which tells a different part of the story of the Jewish refugees in Shanghai. The first section, titled “Jewish Refugees in Shanghai,” provides an overview of the history of the Jewish community in Shanghai and the events that led to the arrival of the refugees. It explains how Shanghai was one of the few places in the world that did not require visas for entry, making it a haven for those seeking refuge from the Nazi regime.
The Lives of Jewish Refugees in Shanghai
The next section, “The Lives of Jewish Refugees in Shanghai,” gives visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the refugees. It includes photographs, personal letters, and other items that the refugees brought with them when they fled their homes. The exhibit also shows how the refugees adapted to their new lives in Shanghai, forming a vibrant community that included schools, synagogues, and cultural organizations.
Remembering the Victims
One of the most moving parts of the exhibition is the “Remembering the Victims” section, which pays tribute to the Jewish refugees who lost their lives during the Holocaust. The exhibit includes photographs and personal stories of the victims, as well as a memorial to those who perished.
Chinese and Jewish Friendship
The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum also highlights the role that the Chinese people played in providing assistance to the refugees. The “Chinese and Jewish Friendship” section of the exhibition explores the relationships that developed between the refugees and the local Chinese population. Visitors can see photographs of Chinese families who opened their homes to the refugees and learn about the Chinese officials who provided assistance and protection.
legacy of the Jewish refugees
Finally, the museum includes a section on the legacy of the Jewish refugees in Shanghai. This section showcases the accomplishments of the refugees who settled in Shanghai after the war and made significant contributions to the city’s culture and economy. Visitors can learn about the Jewish businesses, hospitals, and schools that were established in Shanghai by the refugees.
Vlog about Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Location: The museum is located opposite the White Horse Cafe, which was founded by a Jewish couple in 1939. It became an important venue for Jewish socializing and gatherings in the Zhoushan Road area at that time.
Architecture: The main building of the museum features three levels with green brick walls adorned with horizontal bands of red bricks as decoration. The doors and windows are decorated with traditional-style arches, and the entrance has some features characteristic of Jewish architecture, including the David Star symbol above the main door.
Nearby Attractions: Adjacent to the museum is the North Bund Lujiazui shopping mall, where you can shop and dine. On the B2 level, there is a recreation of old Shanghai alleyways, providing a glimpse into the city’s history.
Moses Synagogue: Within the museum complex, there is a beautifully constructed Moses Synagogue, built with red and gray bricks. It was funded by Russian Jewish immigrants and served as their place of worship. The synagogue was closed in 1956 when many Jewish people returned to their home countries.
