Shanghai Museum of Glass is located at No. 685 West Changjiang Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and the first museum in China dedicated to glass art. Built on the renovated site of the former Shanghai No.1 Glass Instrument Factory, the museum preserves the style of industrial heritage while integrating modern design concepts. It functions as a comprehensive museum integrating exhibition, education, collection, research, and leisure. The museum covers a total area of about 18,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 8,000 square meters and a core exhibition area of more than 4,000 square meters. Its core feature is the perfect integration of glass artistry, scientific attributes, and industrial history. Through rich exhibits, interactive experiences, and art installations, it fully presents the charm of glass culture, making it one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai’s industrial tourism.
History and Culture
The establishment of Shanghai Museum of Glass is closely linked to the development of Shanghai’s glass industry. The site originally belonged to Shanghai No.1 Glass Instrument Factory, founded in 1958. As an important glass product manufacturing base in Shanghai after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it supplied high-quality glass instruments for scientific research, medical treatment, and industry across the country, witnessing the crucial development stage of the glass industry in Shanghai and even China. With the adjustment of the urban industrial structure, the factory gradually ceased production, but the industrial site carrying historical memories was preserved.
In 2011, Shanghai Museum of Glass was officially opened to the public while retaining the original industrial architectural style, becoming a model for the revitalization of industrial heritage. The museum houses a collection of more than 3,000 items ranging from ancient glass artifacts to modern art glass, covering works from China, Italy, the Czech Republic, Japan, and other countries and regions. It systematically reviews the history of glass manufacturing in China, from the earliest glass in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, exquisite glassware in the Tang and Song dynasties, to innovations in modern industrial glass, fully presenting the inheritance and development of glass culture in China. In addition, the museum regularly holds international glass art exhibitions, promoting exchanges between Chinese and foreign glass cultures and revitalizing ancient glass craftsmanship in the contemporary era.
Main Attractions
Main Hall
The Main Hall is the core exhibition area of Shanghai Museum of Glass, with a construction area of about 3,000 square meters. It is divided into sections including the origin of glass, glass craftsmanship, modern glass art, and international glass treasures. The hall displays exhibits from ancient Egyptian glass beads dating back to 2000 BC, colored glass ornaments from the Ming and Qing dynasties, to masterpieces by top international glass artists. It systematically shows the entire process of glass making from raw materials to finished products and the artistic styles of glass in different cultural backgrounds. There is also a live glassblowing performance area where visitors can watch artisans handcrafting glass products up close and experience the exquisite craftsmanship of glass art.
Children’s Museum of Glass
The Children’s Museum of Glass is designed for children aged 3 to 12, covering an area of about 800 square meters. Focusing on "fun exploration", it helps children understand the characteristics and uses of glass through interactive games, hands-on experiences, and scene displays. The museum features zones such as the Glass Maze, Bubble Lab, and Glass Workshop. Children can make simple glass ornaments by themselves and learn about glass science while playing, making it an ideal place for parent-child interactive experiences.
Glass Maze
The Glass Maze is a popular photo spot in the museum, covering an area of about 200 square meters. It is constructed with hundreds of transparent glass panels, creating an illusory space experience through lighting effects and mirror reflections. The maze integrates the optical properties of glass. Visitors can enjoy puzzle-solving while intuitively experiencing the physical characteristics of glass such as transparency and refraction, making it an attractive attraction combining fun and science education.
Thermal Theater
The Thermal Theater is China’s first immersive performance space centered on glassblowing, with an area of about 300 square meters. The theater is equipped with professional glassblowing furnaces that can reach temperatures of 1400°C. Professional artisans perform high-difficulty glassblowing demonstrations, from gathering molten glass, shaping, to cooling and solidifying. The entire process is highly visually striking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the "flowing art" of glass at high temperatures. With fixed performance times, it is one of the most enjoyable experience projects in the museum.
Visiting Route
Recommended visiting route: Enter from the main gate and first visit the Main Hall (recommended duration: 1.5 hours), touring the origin of glass, craftsmanship area, and international treasures, and watching the glassblowing show at 10:30 or 14:30. After the Main Hall, go to the Thermal Theater (recommended duration: 30 minutes) for the immersive glassblowing performance. Then proceed to the Children’s Museum of Glass (recommended duration: 1 hour if traveling with children) for interactive activities. Next, explore the Glass Maze (recommended duration: 30 minutes) to experience the optical fun of glass. The entire route takes about 4 hours and can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. Rest areas and cultural and creative stores are available inside the museum for breaks during the visit.
Tips
- The recommended visiting time is 4–5 hours. Arrive when the museum opens at 9:00 AM to avoid the noon crowd for a better experience.
- Follow the official WeChat account of the museum in advance to check the specific schedules of glassblowing and Thermal Theater performances (daily fixed times: 10:30, 14:30, 16:00) and plan your visit accordingly.
- For parent-child visits, prioritize the Children’s Museum of Glass and Glass Maze. Handmade experiences for children are available and require reservation one day in advance.
- There are cultural and creative stores in the museum where you can buy glass crafts as souvenirs. Some handmade products can be customized on site.
- Wear comfortable flat shoes as there are many exhibition areas and long walking distances.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition areas. You can dine in designated rest areas, and there are casual restaurants nearby.
Notes
- Most glass exhibits in the exhibition areas are fragile. Do not touch or knock on the exhibits. Violators will be liable for corresponding compensation.
- The Thermal Theater and glassblowing areas have high temperatures, open flames, and high-temperature molten glass. Do not approach the operating areas and follow staff instructions.
- Photography is allowed in the museum, but flash and tripods are prohibited to avoid damaging glass exhibits or disturbing other visitors.
- Children must be accompanied by adults. Take full care of children especially in the Glass Maze and interactive facilities in the Children’s Museum to prevent accidents.
- Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited in the museum. Smoking areas are set outside the museum.
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable once purchased except due to force majeure. Please confirm the visiting date before buying tickets.
- Some floors and buildings in the industrial heritage area retain their original style. Watch your steps and be careful of bumps.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Tonghe Xincun Station, exit from Gate 4, transfer to Bus No. 726 or 159 to Changjiang Road(S) Sanzhuanlu Station, then walk about 200 meters. Or take Metro Line 3 to Zhanghuabang Station, transfer to Bus No. 160 to Changjiang Road(S) Sanzhuanlu Station.
- Self-driving: Navigate to "Shanghai Museum of Glass (No. 685 West Changjiang Road, Baoshan District)". Parking is available in the museum at 10 yuan per hour, with a daily maximum of 50 yuan.
- Bus: Take Bus No. 726, 159, 160, 849 to Changjiang Road(S) Sanzhuanlu Station and walk to the museum.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:00). Closed every Monday (except statutory holidays). During statutory holidays, opening hours are adjusted to 9:00–17:30 (last entry at 16:30), such as Spring Festival and National Day. Please refer to the official notice in advance.
Admission
Tickets start from 60 yuan per person. You can search for the official service account "上海玻璃博物馆" on WeChat for the latest updates and online ticket purchase.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.