China’s first state-owned contemporary art museum occupies a repurposed 1935 power plant on Shanghai’s Huangpu riverside, offering free exhibitions and hosting the Shanghai Biennale since its opening.
At a glance
The Power Station of Art (PSA) is a contemporary art institution housed in a former electric power generation facility. The museum operates under the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and welcomes visitors at no charge. Its 41,000 square metres of space include 15,000 square metres dedicated to rotating exhibitions.
History
The site began as the Nanshi Electric Plant, established in 1897 and relocated to the Huangpu riverside in 1935. For decades it remained an active power station until its industrial use ended. During Shanghai’s 2010 World Expo, the building served as the Pavilion of Future, a temporary exhibition space. Following the Expo, the structure underwent nine months of renovation and conversion. The museum opened to the public on 1 October 2012, immediately hosting the 9th Shanghai Biennale titled “Reactivation”—a thematic echo of the site’s own transformation.
What you see
The building retains the industrial character of its original function while adapted for contemporary cultural use. Its substantial scale—over 41,000 square metres—provides ample space for large-scale installations and thematic exhibitions. The Huangpu riverside location offers views across Shanghai’s waterfront.
Cultural significance
As China’s sole state-owned contemporary art museum, PSA holds institutional importance in the nation’s cultural landscape. It has become a major venue for contemporary art practice and emerging curatorial voices. The Shanghai Biennale, hosted here since opening, is a major international contemporary art survey. The museum also operates Power Station of Design, expanding its remit into design exhibitions and supporting the Emerging Curators Project since 2014.
Key facts
- Location: Huangpu, Shanghai, China
- Coordinates: 31.2031° N, 121.4938° E
- Opened: 1 October 2012
- Total building space: 41,000 m²
- Exhibition space: 15,000 m²
- Admission: Free to the public
Practical information & getting there
The Power Station of Art is located on the Huangpu riverside in Shanghai’s Huangpu District. Admission is free. Check the official website for current exhibitions, hours, and any access requirements before your visit.
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