Museum down memory lane

Wang Xiaojia's museum, called Shanghai 1937, displays a variety of things that showcase the golden days of old Shanghai. Photos by Gao Erqiang / China Daily

Ann Gu, a 25-year-old Shanghai native, found many exhibits spark memories. "The clothes, bags, vases and cups, no matter what time they belong to, are exquisite. I think they reveal the pursuit of Shanghai people for high-quality and exquisite life," she says.

The museum is only open to the public on Saturday afternoons. On other days, it is used as a photo studio where customers can dress in the 1930s style and pose for photos, or a cute space for friends to have afternoon tea, or even a small bar where several friends come for a drink. There are plenty of old-fashioned snacks and beverages available here.

Wang's brother, who asked to be called by his nickname Lao Hei, explained that the flexible management aims to earn some money to maintain the museum. He says the collection includes some clothes and newspapers dating back to a century ago that need to be regularly taken care of.

It is not easy for a private museum to survive in the city if it lacks financial support from the government or foundations. But the siblings say they will try their best to carry on and hope to find a larger space to display the items chronologically.

"These exhibits embody what used to be a part of our life. We loved them, commemorate them and would like to introduce them to more people," Wang says.

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