Shanghai’s June 2025 Art Scene: 8 Must-See Exhibitions

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Shanghai is turning up the creative heat this June with a dazzling lineup of art exhibitions that blend global vision, cultural depth, and cutting-edge creativity. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or a curious traveler, these events offer a vibrant tapestry of experiences. From immersive installations to cultural crossovers, here’s your curated guide to the city’s hottest art experiences!

1."Ash & Rebirth: Mei Faqiao Solo Exhibition"

 Dive into a hauntingly beautiful world where charred wood, iron, and ceramics tell stories of destruction and renewal. Mei Faqiao transforms remnants of a temple fire into poetic installations. Don’t miss  Ash Series 47 —— a towering charcoal sculpture symbolizing resilience. Perfect for lovers of philosophy and material art! 

Location: Song Art Space @ L+Mall, Lujiazui (Pudong) 

Dates: Until June 30, 2025 

Tickets: Free entry 

2.“Vitalism: Historicity in Chinese Contemporary Painting"

Join art historian Julie Chun for a deep dive into how China’s Gen Z artists blend tradition with modern narratives. Features works by post-80s/90s painters exploring identity and memory. Bonus: Q&A with curator Michelle Hyun! 

Location: Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), NYU Shanghai 

 Dates: June 8, 2025 (Event: 2:00–4:00 PM) 

 Tickets: RMB 50–150 

3.Masterpieces from Musée d’Orsay

Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir—100+ iconic works from Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, their largest China showcase ever! A rare chance to see Europe’s Impressionist legends in Shanghai

Locations: Pudong Art Museum (Lujiazui)

Dates: From June 2025

Tickets: TBA (watch the museum’s website!)

4."Chen Yifei Retrospective: Echoes of a Visionary"

The largest retrospective of Chen Yifei, a pioneer of Shanghai’s "Grand Visual Art" movement. Explore 150+ works, including iconic oil paintings (The Ode to the Yellow River) and rare sculptures. 

Pro tip: His designs inspired the hit drama Blossoms Shanghai ! 

Location: Pudong Museum of Art 

 Dates: Until October 12, 2025 

Tickets: ¥60–¥120 

5."Ancient Egypt: Treasures from the Pyramids"

Asia’s largest Egyptian artifact showcase! Marvel at 788 relics, including mummies and Saqqara treasures. Bonus: 95% of items debut in Asia! Perfect for history buffs. 

Location: Shanghai Museum (Huangpu District) 

 Dates: Until August 17, 2025  

Tickets: ¥60

6."Puppetry & Algorithm Music: Art Play Day"

A double-header of culture and tech: 

- Traditional Puppetry: Hands-on fun with非遗 (intangible heritage) master Xiang Chunlei. 

- AI vs. Music: Debate algorithmic composition with composer Chen Musheng. Kid-friendly! 

Location: Shanghai Oriental Art Center 

 Dates: June 7, 2025 

Tickets: Free (RSVP required) 

7."Is Everything Interconnected? Kim Woojin’s Sculptures"*

Korean sculptor Kim Woojin reimagines ecology with animal sculptures made of modular steel. Think deer, rabbits, and cranes symbolizing harmony beyond human dominance. Instagram gold! 

Location: Powerlong Museum (Minhang District) 

Dates: Until June 8, 2025 

 Tickets: ¥50–150 

8."DEEP SPACE 2.0: From Pyramids to Notre-Dame"

An 8K immersive journey through iconic global landmarks! AI-restored Notre-Dame visuals + laser projections = mind-blowing tech-art fusion. Perfect for digital nomads.

Location: West Bund Museum (Xuhui District) 

Dates: Until December 31, 2025 

 Tickets: ¥120 

Pro Tips for Art Explorers

Transport: Use Amap (English version) for real-time metro/bus updates .

Payment: Alipay Tour Pass works cash-free .

Etiquette: Temples? Enter with your right foot first!

Explore Neighborhoods: Many galleries are located in vibrant districts like West Bund and the Bund. Take time to explore the surrounding areas for a full cultural experience.

June 2025 in Shanghai is a feast for the senses, offering a rich tapestry of artistic expressions from around the globe. Whether you're drawn to contemporary installations, historical artifacts, or cutting-edge design, the city's art scene has something to captivate every traveler. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Shanghai's dynamic cultural landscape!