Officially opened in July 2010, it is the first and largest national-level maritime museum in China.

[1][2] In August 2011, the museum was rated as 4A Tourist Attration by the China National Tourism Administration.

[4] In July 2005, a series of ceremonies were held in China to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the Ming treasure voyages.

[5] As part of the commemoration, the Chinese State Council approved the plan for constructing a national-level maritime museum in Shanghai.

The preparation and construction of the museum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Transport and Shanghai Municipal People's Government.