Jewish Refugees Museum

Introducing Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, located at 62 Changyang Road, Hongkou District, is an important component of the “Tilanqiao Historic Area” and serves as a witness commemorating the phase of history when the Jewish refugees lived in Shanghai.

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Shanghai Chenghuangmiao 上海犹太难民纪念馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Shanghai History
• Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥20
• Address: No. 62 Changyang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai

What to expect at Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

History of the Museum
From 1933 to 1941, Shanghai became a modern-day “Noah’s Ark” accepting around 30,000 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in Europe. In the “Designated Area for Stateless Refugees” in Tilanqiao area of Shanghai, about 20,000 Jewish refugees lived harmoniously with local citizens, overcoming numerous difficulties together. By the time the Second World War ended in 1945, most of the Jewish refugees had survived. Dr. David Kranzler, a noted Holocaust historian, called it the “Miracle of Shanghai” and commented that within the Jewry’s greatest tragedy, i.e. the Holocaust, there shone a few bright lights. Among the brightest of these is the Shanghai haven. In the "Tilanqiao Historic Area”, the original features of the Jewish settlement are still well preserved. They are the only typical historic traces of Jewish refugee life inside China during the Second World War.

Lay out of the Museum
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum consists of three parts: the former site of Ohel Moshe Synagogue and two exhibition halls.

The former site of Ohel Moshe Synagogue
The Ohel Moshe Synagogue is one of the only two synagogues in Shanghai built by Russian Jews where the Jewish refugees gathered for religious rites during the Second World War. In 2004, it was listed among the fourth set of architectural heritage treasures of Shanghai. Mr. Yitzhak Rabin, the former Israeli Prime Minister, commented during his visit to Shanghai, “To the people of Shanghai for unique humanitarian act of saving thousands of Jews during the Second World War, thanks in the name of the government of Israel.” In March 2007, the People’s Government of Hongkou District budgeted special funds for a full renovation of the synagogue in accordance with the original architectural drawings found in the city archives. The former site of Ohel Moshe Synagogue has been restored to the same architectural style when it used as a synagogue in 1928. In addition, the interior structures have also been adjusted according to the drawings. The duplication of the architectural drawing is shown on the first floor. A sign-in machine, a database of the Jewish refugees and video programs are available on the third floor with temporary exhibits.

No.2 Exhibition Hall
It was completed at the end of 2007. Over 140 photos are displayed and a multi-screen display system is the first of its kind to be used in Shanghai. The short film about the refugees living in Shanghai together with an oil painting and sculptures make that phase of history come alive. In addition, duplication of a refugee’s passport, the Shanghai Jewish Chronicle, and a large stone tablet engraved with Rabin’s inscription are also on display. The joint efforts of historians and artists makes visitors linger on without any thought of leaving.

No.3 Exhibition Hall
It was completed in May of 2008 and has novel exhibitions from time to time.

How to get to Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

By Metro
• Take Metro Line 12 and get off at Tilanqiao Station (Exit 2).

By Bus
• Take bus No. 22, 868 or 934 and get off at Dongchangzhi Lu Haimen Lu Station.
• Take bus No. 875 to Haimen Lu Changyang Lu station.

Additional travel advice on Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
• The museum closes on the New Year's Day and the Chinese New Year's Day.
• The museum offers free interpretation service.
• Please keep quiet in the museum.
• It is not allowed to bring pets into the exhibition halls.