China's first state-run contemporary art museum, set in a converted riverside power plant with a giant chimney - think Shanghai's answer to the Tate Modern. Free general admission (special shows ticketed). Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-7pm, closed Mondays. A must for modern-art lovers.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon: Closed Tue-Sun: 11:00-19:00 (last entry ~18:00) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Nanpu Bridge Station (Metro Line 4), ~12 min walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoon |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility5.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long should I plan?
- Anywhere from 90 minutes to two and a half hours depending on the exhibitions and how deep you go. The upper-floor terraces and river views are worth a few extra minutes.
- What is usually on show?
- Large-scale contemporary installations, architecture and design exhibitions, and the Shanghai Biennale in its cycle years. Programming rotates, so check the current shows before you go - some floors may be between exhibitions.
- What are the opening hours?
- Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00am to 7:00pm, closed Mondays. Last entry is usually about an hour before close, so aim to arrive by mid-afternoon at the latest for a full look.
- Is it worth visiting?
- For contemporary and experimental art fans, very much so - the scale, the architecture, and the rotating exhibitions punch well above a free ticket. If cutting-edge art leaves you cold, the building itself may still impress.
- How do I get there?
- It is at 678 Miaojiang Road on the Huangpu River in Huangpu District. Metro Line 4 to Nanpu Bridge Station is the nearest, about a 12-minute walk, or take a taxi to the door.
- Is it good for kids?
- The huge open spaces and bold installations can captivate kids, and free entry lowers the stakes. Content varies by exhibition, so some shows are more child-friendly than others.
- What is the building's history?
- It was the former Nanshi Power Plant, later part of Expo 2010, then reopened in 2012 as China's first government-run contemporary art museum. The industrial shell - including the 165-meter chimney - is part of the appeal.
- Is the Power Station of Art free?
- General admission to the museum is free; only special exhibitions carry a ticket. It is one of the best free cultural stops in Shanghai, so you can drop in for an hour or a whole afternoon without paying.
Nearby in Ask Shanghai
- China Art MuseumMuseum0.78 km · 10 min walk
- Long Museum West BundMuseum2.18 km · 27 min walk
- Fangbang Middle Road Fabric and Craft MarketMarket3.01 km · 38 min walk
- TianzifangNeighborhood3.2 km · 40 min walk
- West Bund Art & Design DistrictAttraction3.26 km · 41 min walk
Where to stay near Power Station of Art
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