Shanghai Science and Technology Museum - Is it open?

Hi, We are visiting Shanghai in 2 weeks with our 9 year old son. He loves all things tech so this museum seems an obvious choice but I keep reading that it's closed for renovation even though it says it's open? We only have 2 nights in Shanghai so I want to be sure we have a plan on how to best use our time! Many thanks :)

Good news: it appears that the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is currently closed for a major renovation, so unfortunately you should not rely on visiting it during your upcoming trip.

Here are the key details:

  • The museum formally closed on or around March 31, 2023 for an upgrade and refurbishment.
  • Multiple sources (including visitor forums and recent reviews) still report that the museum remains closed for construction and will re-open in or after 2025.
  • Some online articles reference a “reopening December 2025” timeline, but this is likely tentative and may change.

Given that your visit to Shanghai is in 2 weeks, this means:

  • It’s best to assume the museum will not be open for your visit.
  • You should plan an alternate activity for your tech-loving 9-year-old son, as this museum is one of the top “STEM” type draws and its absence will leave a gap.
  • If the closure status changes at very short notice, you could check the museum’s official WeChat account or website on arrival—but you should not depend on it.

Alternative suggestions you may want to consider instead:

  • Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (in People’s Square area) – offers futuristic city models and interactive exhibits.
  • The Shanghai Museum or the Shanghai Natural History Museum also have good exhibits and are in central locations.
  • In the Pudong area, you might explore the Century Park (adjacent to the museum) with art installations and relaxed space if you still want something near the original museum location.

In summary: as much as the Science & Technology Museum would have been perfect for your son, given its current closure you should definitely line up an alternate plan now so you can make the most of your short stay in Shanghai.


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