Shenzhen Museum
Established in 1981, Shenzhen Museum is a multi-branch institution blending history, art, and modernity. Comprising four sites—Ancient Art Museum, History & Folk Culture Museum, Reform & Opening-up Exhibition Hall, and Dongjiang River Guerrilla Command Memorial—it spans 37,000 m² with 18,000 m² of exhibition space. Housing over 20,000 artifacts, it traces Shenzhen’s evolution from a fishing village to a global tech hub, featuring African elephant specimens, ancient ceramics, and interactive digital displays. Designated a “National First-Class Museum,” it bridges past and future through innovative exhibitions.
Historical Overview
Founded in 1981, the original Ancient Art Museum opened in 1988. The History & Folk Culture Museum debuted in 2008 at the Civic Center, while the Reform & Opening-up Exhibition Hall (2019) documents Shenzhen’s economic miracle. Key milestones include the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, reflected in cross-border cultural exhibits, and the 2023 opening of the futuristic Contemporary Art & Urban Planning Museum. Annual events like the Shenzhen Design Week and Lunar New Year folk Festivals animate its halls.
Structural Layout
The museum’s four branches each serve distinct purposes:
- Ancient Art Museum (Tongxin Road): Traditional architecture with rotating galleries for calligraphy, jade, and bronzes.
- History & Folk Culture Museum (Civic Center): Three floors divided into Ancient Shenzhen (221 BCE–1839 CE), Folk Culture, and Modern Shenzhen (1839–1949) zones.
- Reform & Opening-up Exhibition Hall: Chronicles Shenzhen’s transformation via multimedia installations.
- Dongjiang Guerrilla Memorial: Preserves revolutionary history in a restored colonial building.
Major Attractions
- African Elephant & Giraffe Specimens: Real taxidermy donated by philanthropist Kenneth Behring, symbolizing global conservation.
- Ancient Shenzhen Gallery: Features Han Dynasty tomb relics, Tang Dynasty pottery, and Ming-Qing furniture.
- Folk Culture Zone: Showcases Hakka architecture, Cantonese Opera costumes, and tea ceremony rituals.
- Contemporary Art Wing: Rotating exhibits of Chinese and international avant-garde works.
- Reform & Opening-up Time Tunnel: Immersive 3D mapping of Shenzhen’s skyline evolution.
- Dongjiang Memorial Hall: Wartime artifacts and holographic reenactments of guerrilla battles.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2.5 hrs): Civic Center Entrance → Ancient Shenzhen Gallery → Folk Culture Zone → Modern Shenzhen Exhibit → Gift Shop.
- Extended Route (4 hrs): Ancient Art Museum → Reform Exhibition → Dongjiang Memorial → Contemporary Art Wing → Civic Plaza.
- Full-Day Deep Dive (6 hrs): All branches + special exhibitions like the Shenzhen Design Biennale.
Ticket Purchase
Free entry to most galleries; specialized exhibits require reservations via WeChat mini-program “深圳博物馆.” Peak season (Apr–Oct): ¥50 adults, ¥25 students. Off-peak: ¥30/¥15. Discounts for seniors, disabled visitors, and groups. Book online 7 days in advance to skip queues.
Transportation
- Subway: Line 2/4 to Civic Center Station (Exit B); Line 3/10 to Shopping Park Station.
- Bus: Routes 15, 28, 38 to Civic Center West.
- Shuttle Bus: Free loop connecting museum branches, library, and concert hall (weekends/holidays).
- Taxi: Direct to Jintian Road entrance for History Museum or Contemporary Art Wing.
Best Time & Tips
Visit weekdays 9–11 AM or 3–5 PM to avoid crowds. spring (Mar–Apr) and autumn (Sep–Oct) offer mild weather. Wear comfy shoes for 10,000+ steps. Stay hydrated; cafes inside serve local snacks. Photography allowed (no flash). Prohibited: drones, large bags. Check crowd levels via “文旅深圳” WeChat. Combine with nearby attractions like Lianhuashan Park or Ping An Finance Center for a full cultural day.