Music Box Museum of Fine Collections

Music Box Museum of Fine Collections

The Music Box Museum of Fine Collections is a small exhibition hall located within the Oriental Art Center. It is China’s only thematic museum dedicated to showcasing European music box art and its developmental history. The museum houses over 200 exhibits, each a rare treasure—exquisitely crafted and lavishly designed, reflecting the exceptional artistry of ancient craftsmanship. The museum also holds what is considered the crown jewel of music boxes: “the world’s oldest music box,” invented and crafted in 1796 by Swiss watchmaker Antoine Favre. This piece is the museum’s prized treasure.

The museum is also staffed with professional guides who introduce each exhibit to visitors, allowing you to not only marvel at these antiques but also gain an in-depth understanding of the craftsmanship and history behind them. Live demonstrations are even offered, letting you hear the dreamy serenades produced by these ancient music boxes.

The entire exhibition is divided into two main sections: antique music boxes and Western automata. The former primarily features cylinder music boxes and disc music boxes, which originate from clock mechanisms, as well as other sound-producing devices such as street organs and singing birds. The latter showcases a large collection of outstanding works from the golden age of Western automata (1865–1905), along with masterpieces by modern masters of automaton-making.

Address: 4th Floor, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai

Type: Museum

Recommended visiting time: 3 hours

Phone: 021-68547647

Opening Hours:

10:00–18:00

Ticket Information:

Adult ticket: 50 RMB; Student ticket: 30 RMB; Senior ticket: 30 RMB. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, tickets are half-price all day.