Attraction
The Bund
Shanghai's colonial-era waterfront, a 1.6-kilometre line of 52 banks, hotels and trading houses facing the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River.
Power Station of Art
China's first state-run museum of contemporary art, set in a former riverside power station and home to the Shanghai Biennale since 2012.
At a glance
- Type
- Contemporary art museum
- Area
- South Bund, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
- Official site
- powerstationofart.com
Good to know
- Riverside location
- Shanghai Biennale venue
- Bookshop and café
- Former power station chimney
Why we recommend it
The Power Station of Art occupies the former Nanshi Power Plant on the Huangpu riverfront south of the Old City. The Nanshi Electric Plant was founded in 1897 to power street lamps, moved to this riverside site in 1935 and took the Nanshi name in 1955, before closing in 2007. During Expo 2010 the building served as the Pavilion of the Future, and after about nine months of conversion it reopened on 1 October 2012 as China's first state-run museum of contemporary art.
The conversion kept the plant's tall chimney, rooftop machinery and general layout, so the industrial bones of the place are clear as you walk round. The building covers more than 41,000 square metres, around 15,000 of them given over to exhibitions, and the large open spaces suit big installations. The museum has no fixed permanent display in the usual sense. Instead it runs a changing programme of major solo shows and themed exhibitions by Chinese and international artists, along with talks, film and performance.
It is also the home of the Shanghai Biennale, which it has hosted since the museum opened with the ninth edition in 2012. If your visit coincides with a Biennale year, set aside extra time, as the exhibition fills much of the building. Check the museum's website before you go to see what is on and whether a ticket or advance reservation is needed for a particular show.
This is a good choice for art lovers, design and architecture fans and anyone curious about the riverside regeneration along the South Bund. Allow two hours, more for a big exhibition. The riverside paths outside are pleasant for a walk before or after your visit.
The 165-metre chimney is itself used as an exhibition space and was turned into a giant thermometer during Expo 2010. Inside, the halls have an internal height of 27 metres. A 2024 report by the city's news service gave opening hours of 11am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays, with free admission except for special exhibitions. On the ground floor, the dododo book bookshop, designed by Matali Crasset, includes a small café.
South Xizang Road station on Lines 4 and 8 is the nearest metro stop. The museum makes a good pairing with Yu Garden and the Old City to the north.
Power Station of Art FAQs
What is the Power Station of Art?
A contemporary art museum in the former Nanshi Power Plant, opened in 2012 as China's first state-run museum of contemporary art.
When did it open?
On 1 October 2012.
Does it host the Shanghai Biennale?
Yes. It has hosted the Biennale since opening with the ninth edition in 2012.
Is there a permanent collection on show?
The museum mainly runs changing exhibitions, so check what is on before you go.
How big is it?
More than 41,000 square metres, with about 15,000 square metres of exhibition space.
How do you get there?
Take Line 4 or 8 to South Xizang Road station and walk towards the river.
How long should you allow?
About two hours, more for a major exhibition.
What is nearby?
The South Bund riverside, the Old City and Yu Garden.