Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

A hidden gem museum showcasing Chinas revolutionary art history through an extensive collection of propaganda posters from the 20th century

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

Key Information

Founding Year

1998

Collection Size

Over 5000 posters

Founder

Yang Peiming

Language Support

English captions available

Photography

Allowed without flash

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons

Nearest Metro

Jiaotong University Station Line 10 11

Special Features

Underground location in residential building

The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center is a unique underground museum located in the basement of a residential building in the French Concession area. This privately-run museum houses one of the worlds largest collections of Chinese propaganda posters spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s. The collection offers a fascinating visual journey through Chinas modern history from the revolutionary period to the Cultural Revolution and the reform era. The posters serve as powerful historical documents reflecting political ideologies social changes and artistic styles of different periods. The museums intimate setting and personal curation by its founder create an authentic experience that transports visitors back in time through vivid colorful imagery that once adorned streets factories and homes across China

Things to Do

  • Explore the chronological display of propaganda posters from different historical periods
  • Learn about the artistic techniques and symbolism used in Chinese propaganda art
  • Discover how political messages were communicated through visual media
  • Compare posters from different eras to understand evolving styles and themes
  • Browse the museums gift shop for reproduction posters and art books
  • Take photographs of the most iconic and visually striking posters
  • Attend special exhibitions focusing on specific themes or artists
  • Listen to the curators personal stories about collecting these historical artifacts

Related Guides