Tou-Se-We Museum

Shanghai


Alongside a middle school on Puhuitang Rd, this fascinating museum is dedicated to the arts and crafts of the former Tousewe Orphanage, established here by the indefatigable Jesuits in 1864. The Catholics taught orphans the techniques of Western art: one of the first things you see as you enter the museum is a small, exquisite and exact copy of the Tianning Pagoda in Beijing and a magnificent wooden páilou (decorative arch), the Tushanwan Archway, carved in 1913.

There’s a wealth of objects either produced or relating to the orphanage, from religious ornaments to Jesuit literature. Woodcraft in particular was produced at the orphanage, so some splendid items can be admired; look out for the expertly carved Li Kui and His Double, fashioned from boxwood, and the Madonna from the 1920s. Filling out the rest of the fascinating collection are paintings and stained glass. Audio tours are available (a deposit of ¥100 or ID is required).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shanghai attractions

1. Xujiahui Observatory

0.16 MILES

Look up to catch a glimpse of the elegant Jesuit-built Xujiahui Observatory, which dates to 1872 and is currently part of the Shanghai Meteorological…

2. Shanghai Film Museum

0.17 MILES

There's no shortage of entertainment value here, beginning from the moment you enter the exhibits via a 'red carpet' corridor of simulated applause and…

3. Guangqi Park

0.19 MILES

Dominated by an imposing white marble cross, this serene park is dedicated to 17th-century Christian scholar and scientist Xu Guangqi, whose tomb (a large…

4. Xu Guangqi Memorial Hall

0.19 MILES

This memorial hall, within an historic Ming dynasty building in Guangqi Park, is dedicated to the life and works of 17th-century Shanghai scientist Xu…

5. Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei

0.33 MILES

The magnificent St Ignatius Catholic Library, Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei, is one of several Jesuit monuments defining historic Xujiahui. Established in 1847 by…

6. St Ignatius Cathedral

0.34 MILES

The dignified twin-spired St Ignatius Cathedral (1904) is a major Xujiahui landmark. Its nave is a long span of Gothic arches, while the exterior is…

7. Former St Ignatius Convent

0.36 MILES

The former St Ignatius Convent, standing across North Caoxi Rd from St Ignatius Cathedral, is now a restaurant called Ye Olde Station (上海老站, Shanghai…

8. Xuhui Public School

0.5 MILES

This red-and-grey-brick building on the south side of Hongqiao Rd, across from Grand Gateway 66 mall, was established in 1850 by the Jesuit priest Claude…