Seven Castles

Shanghai Art Museum

                                      

July 26, 2006

 

The new Shanghai Art Museum is on the former site of the Shanghai Library, just behind the Grand Theater and at the northwest corner of People's Park. The area was once a clubhouse in the 1930s for old Shanghai's sports groups, including the Shanghai Race Club sporting the famous clock tower "Big Bertle". The beautifully restored building alone is the reason enough to visit. It is so fabulous from the majestic view of the building (outside) to the regal looking decor (inside). The museum is a mixture of the classic and the stylish. The marbles and the lighting are quite impressive. The top floor restaurant boasts great views of the square.

 

First founded in 1956, it moved to the present location in the spring of 2000, with over 70 million yuan spent on renovations. It has a floor space of 18,000 square meters, of which the exhibition hall occupies 5,000 square meters. There are twelve exhibition halls on five floors showing modern and traditional fine art. Temporary art shows are also organized regularly. The gallery has one of the best collections of Chinese contemporary art in the country, as well as many notable traditional works. Its permanent collection includes paintings, calligraphy, and sculpture, but its rotating exhibitions have favored modern artwork. There is a museum store, café, and a rooftop restaurant.

 

The year 1983 was designated as the World Telecommunication Year. I had been in the then Shanghai Library for several months, preparing a special book show there. Twenty-three years later, I was there again as a visitor to a show featuring telecom cards.

 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2006年07月26日 星期三 09:28】【 加入博采】【打印】