Is the Power Station of Art free to visit?

Entry to the permanent galleries is free. Rotating special exhibitions carry a separate ticket, typically in the 50 to 80 RMB range depending on the show. The museum occupies a converted Huangpu River power plant with its smokestack and turbine hall preserved as gallery space, so the building itself is a draw even on a free visit. Closed Mondays.

How do I get to the Power Station of Art?

PSA sits on the west bank of the Huangpu River in Huangpu District and is not right next to a metro exit, so a short taxi or rideshare from the nearest station is the easiest approach. English labeling is partial. The riverside setting pairs well with the West Bund gallery district, with the Long Museum about 15 minutes south by taxi.

What is the Shanghai Biennale at the Power Station of Art?

The Shanghai Biennale is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes over the entire PSA building each November. If your trip overlaps, expect the whole turbine hall and upper floors given to large-scale installations. Outside Biennale season the museum still runs rotating special shows alongside its free permanent galleries, so there is always something on.

Power Station of Art, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

China's first state-run contemporary art museum, in a converted Huangpu River power plant with a 165m smokestack.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 上海当代艺术博物馆 (Shàng Hǎi Dāng Dài Yì Shù Bó Wù Guǎn)
Opening hours: 11 AM – 7 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Wednesday-Sunday afternoon
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 200 Huayuangang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai · 黄浦区花园港路200号

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PSA (Power Station of Art) is China's first state-run contemporary art museum, opened in 2012 in a converted thermal power plant on Huangpu River's west bank. The smokestack and turbine hall structure are preserved and used as exhibition space, giving the museum the same Tate Modern conversion DNA. Free entry to the permanent galleries; rotating special exhibitions vary 50–80 RMB. Each November the Shanghai Biennale takes over the whole building. Best paired with West Bund area galleries on the same day (Long Museum is 15 min south by taxi). Closed Mondays.

Highlights

165m Smokestack (165米烟囱)Iconic preserved power plant chimney, visible from Huangpu River
Turbine Hall (涡轮大厅)Original turbine hall used as exhibition space, like Tate Modern
Shanghai Biennale (上海双年展)Every November, the entire museum is taken over by the Biennale
Permanent Galleries (常设展厅)Free entry to permanent collection; special exhibitions 50–80 RMB
West Bund Art Walk (西岸艺术漫步)Pair with Long Museum 15 min south by taxi; same-day visit recommended

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Note the late 11am opening; this is an afternoon stop, not a morning one, unlike most Shanghai museums.
▸Entry to permanent galleries is free, so you can wander the turbine hall even if a paid show doesn't interest you.
▸Chain it with the Long Museum about 15 minutes south by taxi for a single West Bund art afternoon.
▸The 165-meter smokestack frames best from the riverside promenade outside, not from within the galleries.
▸Visit Wednesday through Sunday afternoon; the building is closed Mondays and quieter midweek than on weekends.
▸Labels lean Chinese-only on some shows, so allow extra time or a translation app for context.
▸Time a November trip to catch the Biennale, when the whole building becomes one immersive installation.

Photos

Wide view of a deserted platform in a Shanghai Metro station, showcasing modern architecture.

A cyclist rides past vibrant graffiti on a sunny street in Shanghai, China.

Masked commuters at a Shanghai metro station during the day.

Black and white photo of Shanghai's modern architectural marvel with a spiral staircase.

A historic building in Shanghai with an arched brick facade, typical of traditional Chinese architecture.

A minimalist indoor art installation featuring a vibrant autumn tree set in a gallery in Shanghai.

A busy scene of commuters wearing masks in a Shanghai subway station during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A woman walks past a colorful mural depicting Shanghai. Bright and artistic street scene.

Blurry pedestrians pass a vibrant cultural wall in Nanjing Metro, capturing urban life.

Modern urban park in Shanghai with view of iconic skyline and people enjoying the day.

Vibrant urban scene in Shanghai featuring high-rises, historic buildings, and the Chinese flag.

A red star on a white traditional Chinese building facade under clear blue skies.

Stunning view of modern high-rises and a reflection pond in Xangai, China, showcasing urban landscape.

Stunning urban skyline featuring skyscrapers along Suzhou Creek in Shanghai during the day.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArtVoyager·TripAdvisor·5/5

Tate Modern of Shanghai — gigantic ex-power-plant turned contemporary art museum. Free entry to permanent.

2026-04-18

当代艺术·Xiaohongshu·5/5

PSA 上海双年展主场！工业改造的美术馆，建筑本身就是艺术品。

2026-03-22

Alex M.·Google Maps·4/5

165m chimney is iconic. Free except special exhibitions. Combine with riverside walk.

2026-02-10

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Frequently asked questions about Power Station of Art

Is the Power Station of Art free to visit?: Entry to the permanent galleries is free. Rotating special exhibitions carry a separate ticket, typically in the 50 to 80 RMB range depending on the show. The museum occupies a converted Huangpu River power plant with its smokestack and turbine hall preserved as gallery space, so the building itself is a draw even on a free visit. Closed Mondays.
How do I get to the Power Station of Art?: PSA sits on the west bank of the Huangpu River in Huangpu District and is not right next to a metro exit, so a short taxi or rideshare from the nearest station is the easiest approach. English labeling is partial. The riverside setting pairs well with the West Bund gallery district, with the Long Museum about 15 minutes south by taxi.
What is the Shanghai Biennale at the Power Station of Art?: The Shanghai Biennale is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes over the entire PSA building each November. If your trip overlaps, expect the whole turbine hall and upper floors given to large-scale installations. Outside Biennale season the museum still runs rotating special shows alongside its free permanent galleries, so there is always something on.