Shanghai Museum of Glass – Ticket, Opening Hours, Highlights, and Tips

Shanghai Museum of Glass (上海玻璃博物馆) is a unique cultural institution located in the Baoshan District of Shanghai, China. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in glass art and design. The museum was opened in 2011 and is housed in a former glass manufacturing facility that has been renovated and transformed into an impressive exhibition space.

The museum features a wide range of exhibitions and displays related to glass, including ancient glass artifacts, contemporary glass art installations, and interactive exhibits that explore the science behind glass-making. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and events that showcase the versatility and beauty of glass as an artistic medium.

The museum’s striking architecture and design, which combines the old and the new, is also a highlight of the visit. The centerpiece of the museum is a towering glass cone, which is the main exhibition hall and can be seen from miles away.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Transportation and Location
• History of Shanghai Museum of Glass
• Highlights of Shanghai Museum of Glass
  • The Glass Cone
  • Permanent Exhibits
  • Temporary Exhibitions
  • Glass Cafe
• Vlog about Shanghai Museum of Glass
• Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
• Other Themed Museums in Shanghai

Basic Information

Transportation and Location

The address of the Shanghai Museum of Glass is 685 Changjiang West Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. It is located within the Shanghai Glass Park, which is situated on the banks of the Huangpu River. To get there, you can choose the following ways.

Bus: Take bus 159, 322, 552, 726, 728, or 883, get off at Changjiang Xilu Sanzhuanlu (长江西路三转炉), and the museum will be to your west.

Subway: Take subway line 1, get off at Tonghe Xincun (Tonghe New Village, 通河新村), and walk about 2 kilometers to the east to reach the museum.

History of Shanghai Museum of Glass

The history of Shanghai Museum of Glass can be traced back to the 1950s when the Shanghai Glass Factory was established on the site where the museum is currently located. For over five decades, the factory produced a wide range of glass products, including medical and scientific equipment, lighting fixtures, and glassware.

In the early 2000s, the factory was closed down and the decision was made to transform the site into a cultural destination that would celebrate the history and art of glass. The Shanghai Glass Museum was established in 2007 as a temporary exhibition space to showcase the rich history of glass-making in China.

The success of the temporary museum led to the development of the permanent Shanghai Museum of Glass, which opened its doors in 2011 after extensive renovations. The new museum retained the iconic glass cone structure of the former factory, while adding new exhibition spaces, galleries, and interactive exhibits.

Since its opening, the Shanghai Museum of Glass has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. It has also become a center of excellence for glass-making, hosting workshops and training programs for glass artists and designers from around the world.

Highlights of Shanghai Museum of Glass

The Glass Cone

The Glass Cone is the centerpiece of the Shanghai Museum of Glass. Standing at over 40 meters tall, it is an impressive feat of glass engineering, made entirely from glass panels and supported by a steel framework. The cone serves as the main exhibition hall of the museum, with a spiraling staircase that leads visitors up to the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Permanent Exhibits

The permanent exhibits at the Shanghai Museum of Glass showcase the history and evolution of glass-making. They are organized into four main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of glass-making: Ancient Glass, Glass Science and Technology, Contemporary Glass, and Glass in China. Visitors can explore the exhibits at their own pace, learning about the earliest forms of glass, the science behind glass-making, and the many ways that glass has been used in art and design throughout history.

Temporary Exhibitions

Along with its permanent collection, SHMOG also offers a range of temporary exhibits throughout the year that explore different aspects of glassmaking and its history. Some of the current temporary exhibits at SHMOG include “Glimpses of the Glass Collection,” which showcases some of the most iconic pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, and “The Glass Room,” which explores the use of glass in contemporary art and design. Other exhibits focus on specific topics such as the history of Chinese glassmaking and the role of glass in architecture.

Glass Cafe

The Glass Café is a unique dining experience located within the Shanghai Museum of Glass (SHMOG). As its name suggests, the café is designed entirely in glass, from the walls and ceilings to the furniture and cutlery. The space offers a stunning view of the museum’s beautiful gardens, and visitors can enjoy a range of dishes and drinks inspired by the art and science of glassmaking. The menu includes both Chinese and Western cuisine, with a focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. The Glass Café is a perfect place to relax and recharge after exploring the museum’s exhibitions.

Vlog about Shanghai Museum of Glass

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Facilities and Restrictions: Before exploring the museum, take note that there is a baby care room available on the right-hand side of the lobby on the first floor. Additionally, certain items such as colored beverages, food, long-handled umbrellas, selfie sticks, luggage, strollers, and tripods are not permitted inside the museum. If you accidentally bring any of these items, the front desk offers free storage services.

Timing Your Visit: It’s recommended to visit the museum after having lunch, especially if you’re interested in attending the afternoon performances at the Hot Glass Theater. These performances tend to attract a large crowd, so arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure a good spot.

Glass Experience Activities: Consider participating in the various glass-making activities offered at the museum. For example, for 268 yuan per person, you can enjoy a one-hour session where you can create glass beads by melting glass rods, adding colors, and shaping them. Alternatively, for 480 yuan, you can try glassblowing and make a glass item, which typically takes around 25 minutes. These activities provide a unique and hands-on experience with glass art.

Dining Options: Within the museum complex, there is a restaurant offering coffee and Western cuisine. The ambiance is pleasant, making it a suitable spot to rest and recharge after exploring the museum. Keep in mind that there are no other dining options or convenience stores in the vicinity, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly.

Other Themed Museums in Shanghai

Shanghai Film Museum

Shanghai Postal Museum

Shanghai Metro Museum

Shanghai Railway Museum

Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine