Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum Guide

In the years before and during the Second World War, Shanghai was one of the few places in the world that would take in Jews fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. The city required no entry visa, and about twenty thousand people found safety here, most of them settling in Hongkou. The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum tells this story in a historic synagogue, and it is one of the most moving visits in the city.

The building

The museum is housed in the former Ohel Moishe Synagogue, which was built in 1927 by Russian Jewish residents. During the refugee years it served as a place of worship and community for new arrivals from Germany, Austria and elsewhere. The building was restored and opened as a museum in the 2000s, and it keeps much of its original feel, with a prayer hall, a gallery and a courtyard.

What you will see

The exhibitions use photographs, letters, documents, personal objects and film to tell the story of the refugees. You can read about their journeys, their daily lives in a crowded and poor district, the work they found and the help they received from local Chinese neighbours. A memorial wall bears the names of many of those who came. The displays are in several languages, so visitors from abroad can follow them easily.

The restricted area

In 1943, the Japanese authorities who then controlled much of the city forced stateless refugees to move into a small area of Hongkou. Passes were needed to leave, and life became harder, with overcrowding, hunger and disease. The museum explains this chapter carefully, and also tells how refugees and local residents shared the little that they had. Many survivors later returned to visit, and some of their stories are told in the galleries.

Visiting with respect

This is a place of memory, and visitors should be quiet and thoughtful. Dress modestly, switch your phone to silent and follow the staff's guidance about photography. The material can be upsetting, and the museum is not an ideal visit for very young children. Allow yourself time to reflect afterwards, and do not rush to the next sight.

Tickets and hours

There is an entry fee, and the museum is open most days, but hours and prices change, so confirm the latest details before you go. Guided tours may be available in English, and they add a lot of context. Bring your passport in case it is requested, and expect a short security look up.

How long to allow

Allow about an hour, or longer if you want to read all the panels and take a guided tour. A quiet cafe or a walk through the neighbourhood afterwards is a handy way to absorb what you have seen. The area has been changing, but a few old buildings still show how crowded and humble it once was, and a short wander in the surrounding lanes helps you picture the daily life described inside.

Getting there

The museum lies in Hongkou, a short taxi ride from the Bund and across Suzhou Creek. Several metro stations in the district are within a walk of about fifteen to twenty minutes, and ride apps take you to the door.

Pairing it well

The museum fits naturally with a stroll along Duolun Road and a meal in a neighbourhood restaurant. If you want to understand the wider history of the city, the Shanghai Museum and the Art Deco buildings of the 1930s give more context.

What to skip

You do not need to rush through the exhibits, and you can skip the gift shop if you prefer a quiet exit. If the subject feels too heavy for one day, visit in the morning and plan a lighter afternoon.