West Bund Museum
A modern art museum on Shanghai's West Bund, featuring world-class exhibitions and stunning river views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
West Bund Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern art museum on Shanghai's West Bund, featuring world-class exhibitions and stunning river views.
"Good art to enjoy with great scenery and location."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially for special exhibitions, to avoid queues and ensure access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, both inside and along the promenade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Centre Pompidou Collaboration
Exhibition Halls
Experience world-class art through rotating exhibits from the Centre Pompidou's esteemed collection.

Riverside Promenade Views
Upper Levels & Exterior
Enjoy panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline from the museum's upper floors.

David Hockney's World
Special Exhibition Spaces
Immerse yourself in vibrant colors and artistic expression, inspired by David Hockney's work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Art & River Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially for special exhibitions, to avoid queues and ensure access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, both inside and along the promenade.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning river vistas from the upper levels.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Shanghai can be humid; carry water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially for special exhibitions, to avoid queues and ensure access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, both inside and along the promenade.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning river vistas from the upper levels.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Shanghai can be humid; carry water, especially during warmer months.
📱 Use Didi for Transport
Ride-sharing apps like Didi make getting to and from the museum very convenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the West Bund Museum for its high-quality art exhibitions, particularly those from the Centre Pompidou, and its stunning riverside location. The affordable ticket prices and convenient transportation are also frequently highlighted as positives. However, some find certain exhibitions to be less engaging or the museum experience overall to be 'boring' if their expectations are not met.
"so bad and boring"
Sloane Fahy
"The West bund Art museum is located along the river. There are both permanent and rotating exhibitions on display all the time. There is good art to enjoy. There are both free and paid zones. Ticket prices are not expensive, very good value. At the top you can go out and see the view of the river behind. Convenient transportation, call didi easily to go and return.
West Bund Art Museum is located right by the river and features both permanent and rotating exhibitions. There’s always great art to enjoy. Some areas are free, while others require a ticket—but the entrance fee is affordable and totally worth it. You can also head upstairs for a nice river view out back. Getting there is easy, and calling a Didi both ways is super convenient."
Bestlingchan
"The West Bund Art Museum, located in Shanghai's Xuhui District, opened in 2019. Located along the riverside promenade, the museum offers beautiful views. It features both free and paid exhibitions. The museum collaborates with the Centre Pompidou in France, sharing exhibits. In July 2023, I visited the exhibition "Reflections of Portraiture," which showcased paintings, photographs, and installations from the Centre Pompidou's collection spanning over a century."
Wing k
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The West Bund Museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro to nearby stations like Yunjin Road (Line 11) or Longhua Road (Line 3/7) and then enjoy a short walk. Ride-sharing services like Didi are also a very convenient option for direct access.
While specific parking details can vary, it's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services due to potential parking limitations and traffic in the area.
From downtown Shanghai, taking the metro is efficient. Line 11 to Yunjin Road station is a popular choice. Alternatively, a Didi can offer a more direct route, especially if you're traveling with companions.
The museum is part of the larger West Bund area, which features other cultural institutions and a riverside promenade. Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible, especially if you're exploring the arts district.
Museums in Shanghai are generally equipped with accessibility features. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for specific information regarding ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum has both free and paid exhibition areas. Ticket prices for special exhibitions are generally considered affordable and good value for the art offered. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory for free areas, booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended, especially for popular rotating exhibitions, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
Opening hours can vary, particularly for special exhibitions. It's crucial to check the official West Bund Museum website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any specific exhibition timings.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings is typically available on the museum's official website. It's worth checking their ticketing page for any available offers.
The Shanghai Public Transportation Card is for transit fares and is not typically used for museum admissions. You will need to purchase separate tickets for the museum's paid exhibitions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in many areas, but it's essential to look for signage or ask museum staff for specific rules, especially for temporary exhibitions.
The museum's architecture itself is quite photogenic. Don't miss the stunning river views from the upper levels and the exterior promenade. Many visitors also find the art installations themselves to be great photo opportunities.
Professional photography and videography usually require special permits and advance arrangements. For casual visitor photos, stick to personal use and avoid flash.
Exhibitions featuring vibrant colors, like those inspired by David Hockney, or interactive installations often make for very engaging photographs. Always check exhibition-specific rules.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful natural light for both interior shots and the riverside views, creating a warm ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum might have a small cafe or snack bar, it's not primarily known for extensive dining options. Many visitors opt to explore the surrounding West Bund area for a wider variety of restaurants and cafes.
The West Bund area offers a diverse culinary scene, ranging from casual cafes to more upscale dining. You can find various international and local Chinese cuisines.
Typically, museums have policies against bringing outside food and drinks into exhibition halls to protect the artworks. There might be designated areas where you can consume your own refreshments.
Yes, the West Bund area has many family-friendly eateries. Look for restaurants offering a relaxed atmosphere and diverse menus that can cater to different tastes.
The West Bund is known for its aesthetic cafes, perfect for a break after visiting the museum. Exploring the streets around the museum will reveal many charming spots.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the permanent and rotating exhibitions, plus enjoy the riverside views, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're deeply interested in art, you might want to allocate more time.
It's known for its collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, offering high-quality international art exhibitions, its modern architecture, and its prime location along the Huangpu River.
Information on guided tours, if available, would be on the museum's official website. These can offer deeper insights into the collections and exhibitions.
While the art may appeal more to adults, some exhibitions can be engaging for older children. The open spaces and river views can also be enjoyable for families.
The museum is part of the vibrant West Bund Cultural Corridor, which includes other museums, galleries, and public art installations, all along a scenic riverside promenade.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more relaxed. The nearby West Bund area also offers parks and open spaces, making it a good destination for a family outing that combines culture with outdoor activity. Packing snacks and water is always a good idea for younger visitors.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with other cultural institutions in the West Bund Cultural Corridor, such as the Long Museum and Yuz Museum, to create a comprehensive art-focused day. Researching the current exhibitions in advance will help you prioritize and maximize your artistic immersion.
📸 Photography Buffs
Remember to check photography policies for specific exhibitions, as flash is often prohibited. The riverside promenade also provides excellent vantage points for capturing the dynamic Shanghai skyline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The West Bund Cultural Corridor
This corridor offers a unique blend of modern architecture and riverside tranquility, making it an attractive destination for both art enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic escape from the city's hustle. The proximity of these cultural venues allows for an immersive artistic experience, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions from local and international artists. It's a testament to Shanghai's commitment to fostering a thriving arts community.
Many visitors find the West Bund area to be a refreshing alternative to more traditional tourist spots, offering a more relaxed and aesthetically pleasing experience. The vibrant atmosphere and the constant evolution of exhibitions ensure that each visit can offer something new and exciting.
Artistic Collaborations and Exhibitions
Past exhibitions have included retrospectives of renowned artists like David Hockney, drawing significant attention and praise. The museum's programming is dynamic, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Visitors often highlight the quality and substance of the content, noting that the exhibitions are well-curated and thought-provoking.
When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the museum's official schedule for current and upcoming exhibitions. This will help you make the most of your trip and ensure you don't miss any special displays that align with your artistic interests. The ever-changing nature of the exhibits makes the West Bund Museum a destination worth revisiting.
Architectural Design and Riverside Views
One of the most frequently praised aspects of the museum is the stunning view of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline visible from its upper levels and terraces. This scenic backdrop adds another dimension to the visitor experience, offering a moment of calm and reflection amidst the art. It's a popular spot for photos and simply enjoying the cityscape.
Visitors often comment on how the museum's design enhances the overall experience, making it not just a place to view art, but also a destination to appreciate contemporary architecture and its harmonious relationship with nature and urban landscapes. The open layout and natural light contribute to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit