Shanghai Auto Museum

Core Exhibits and Collection Characteristics

Located in Anting International Automobile City within Shanghai's Jiading District, the Shanghai Auto Museum is China's first dedicated automotive history museum.

Its core exhibition area is systematically structured into three main sections: the History Pavilion, the Antique Car Pavilion, and the Exploration Pavilion. The History Pavilion chronologically charts the evolution of the global automotive industry from its inception in the late 19th century to the present day; the Antique Car Pavilion brings together nearly a hundred milestone classic and vintage cars across motoring history, ranging from pre-war luxury vintage models and post-war popular sports cars to legendary track racers; meanwhile, the Exploration Pavilion demystifies automotive aerodynamics, mechanical drivetrains, and future mobility technologies via interactive installations.

The collection spans iconic models from dozens of premier global marques, including Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, and Ferrari, with the vast majority of display cars preserving an exceptional level of factory-original craftsmanship and historical authenticity.

Market Positioning and Historical Evolution

Established in 2007, the Shanghai Auto Museum was founded in response to the strategic boom of China's automotive industry, filling a domestic void for premier venues dedicated to automotive culture showcases and historical research.

As a key cultural landmark situated in one of the birthplaces of China's automotive industry, the museum not only chronicles the technological breakthroughs and styling evolutions of global motoring, but also drives the growth of classic car collecting culture and industrial heritage preservation in China by organising international classic car rallies, professional academic symposiums, and public educational programmes.

Over years of continuous operation, the museum has established itself as a vital bridge for automotive cultural exchange between China and the global stage, cementing its authoritative stature in automotive historical research and cultural tourism both locally and abroad.

Operational Standards and Visiting Guidelines

As a national-level specialist museum housing invaluable global automotive heritage and priceless vintage car collections, the daily operations and conservation practices at the Shanghai Auto Museum strictly adhere to world-class museum management protocols.

The exhibition halls and storage vaults maintain strict climate-controlled environments with constant temperature and humidity levels, safeguarding the metal chassis, precision mechanical components, leather upholstery, and aged paintwork of these rare classics against environmental degradation and oxidation.

In terms of vehicle upkeep and active preservation, all classic and vintage cars are routinely maintained by specialist technicians, undergoing mechanical fluid changes, electrical insulation inspections, and anti-corrosion treatments.

In the public exhibition galleries, all visitors must strictly comply with the museum's safety and environmental regulations; touching the display vehicles, stepping over cordon barriers, or engaging in any conduct that could compromise these historical artefacts is strictly prohibited.