Shanghai Astronomy Museum

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum serves as a base for science education and patriotic education.

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory Sheshan Workstation) is situated in the picturesque Songjiang Xisheshan National Forest Park. It originated as the Sheshan Observatory, constructed in 1900 by French Catholic missionaries. As China’s first modern observatory to house a large astronomical telescope, it played a significant role in the development of modern astronomy in the country. In 2004, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory established the Shanghai Astronomy Museum on this historic site. It is now recognized as a national astronomy science education base, a Shanghai patriotic education base, and a Shanghai cultural heritage protection unit.

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum combines historical exhibitions with science education. The "Century-Old Observatory" exhibition showcases the development of modern astronomy in China through a rich collection of artifacts and historical materials. The "Focus on Telescopes" exhibition traces the pivotal role of telescopes over the past 400 years in advancing astronomy, while the "Time and Humanity" exhibition explores the relationship between time and human society and life. Additionally, the museum features an interactive "Journey Through the Stars" dome theater, a solar observation center, and a public astronomy observatory, allowing visitors to explore the mysterious universe and witness the wonders of celestial bodies.

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum operates the “Tian Zhi Wen China Astronomy Popular Science Network,” whose forum is one of the most active astronomy education platforms in China, beloved by astronomy enthusiasts. The museum also actively organizes various astronomy outreach and observation activities, reaching out to communities and schools. It offers lectures, exhibitions, and other programs for primary and secondary students and local residents, satisfying the public’s—especially young people’s—curiosity about the mysteries of the stars.

Address: At the summit of Xisheshan, Songjiang District

Postal Code: 201602

Phone: 57651723

Fax: 64384618

Website: http://www.astron.ac.cn

Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 16:30

Public Transport: Metro Line 9, South-Sheshan Line, Shanghai-Chen Line, Shanghai-Ta Line, Tourist Line 1, etc.