A museum dedicated to actor and kung fu star Jackie Chan is set to open next year in Shanghai.
Built inside a revamped factory space, the museum has been designed to pay tribute to the Chinese star and will represent Chan as a “China symbol, kung fu star, charity ambassador”, according to the Putuo district government.
Born in Hong Kong, the 57-year-old kung fu master directs and stars in his own films, organises charity events and has even been known to croon the occasional pop song.
Work on the museum started three years ago and the 10,000-square meter space is expected to house a gallery for cinema art and an Avenue of Stars, four-story Italian restaurant and film studio for Chan’s personal use.
The gallery of movie art will showcase Chan’s four decades of films and will include posters, costumes, props, set pieces and other memorabilia donated by the actor.
Chan also said visitors to the museum will be able to meet other Chinese celebrities while touring through his movie studio.
The museum is part of a redevelopment project of a 14-kilometer area along the Suzhou Creek by the Shanghai Putuo government.
In addition to the Jackie Chan museum, ten other museums are also being planned in the same area and are set to open by the end of 2013.
The Shanghai Textile Museum, Shanghai Brand Museum and the Shanghai Matchbox Museum will all be built nearby in converted factory spaces along the river bank.
A city break in Shanghai can be filled with unusual museums, and with the opening of the Jackie Chan Museum along with the other planned redevelopments, the vibrant city will add a host of new attractions to its list for travellers to enjoy.
