The Shanghai Natural History Museum opened its current building in 2015, beside Jing'an Sculpture Park in the centre of the city. The architecture is worth the visit on its own: a spiralling form that wraps around a central glass atrium, modelled on the shell of a nautilus, with a planted roof that merges into the park.
What is inside
The exhibition starts underground with the origins of the universe and the formation of the earth, then works upwards through the evolution of life. The most popular hall is the dinosaur gallery, where mounted skeletons include a very long-necked sauropod that dominates the space, alongside theropods and early birds. Elsewhere there are galleries on minerals and crystals, African and Asian wildlife dioramas, a wall of whale and dolphin skeletons, a large collection of taxidermy, and a strong section on Shanghai's own ecology and wetlands.
Why it works with children
Signage is bilingual, exhibits are tactile and hands-on in several halls, and the layout is a single ascending route, which makes it easy to follow without a map. There are activity stations, an exploration centre with volunteer explainers, and a 4D theatre with short films. The museum is busy, so book a timed entry slot in advance, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
Practical information
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays. Entry requires a reservation made online with your passport; tickets for the permanent galleries are free or very cheap, while the 4D cinema and some special exhibitions charge separately. It is on Metro Line 13 at Natural History Museum station, with Lines 1 and 2 a short walk away.
Combining it
Jing'an Sculpture Park is directly outside and free, with lawns and a large open-air collection of sculpture. The museum plus the park and a coffee in the surrounding streets is a comfortable half day, and both are within walking distance of Jing'an Temple if you want to add a third stop.
