Joanna James
Shanghai needs no introduction as a city that looks towards the future. This is seen in the city's design and the architecture of buildings in this urban metropolis. There is so much to explore in this city and if you love art, this gets even better! Here are a few contemporary art galleries to explore during your visit.
This museum was recently opened in Pudong and showcases art exhibits by modern artists. One of the main highlights of the museum is the "Construction of Reality" which enables visitors to enter scenarios similar to "Inception". You can also click a few photographs to remember your experience. There was also a cross-over-theme reflective of the starchitect Zaha Hadid which was recently displayed.
This was a gallery that was opened in 2014, it also has a sibling museum in Pudong. Spread out across a whopping 355,000 square feet, this museum is not just a space to experience art. It is also a great retail spot with lovely cafes to enjoy a snack and coffee as well. Part of the gallery is underground. Founded by Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei, two avid collectors of art, this is one of the best private museums to visit in town. The collections include Red Classic Art, Chinese Traditional Art, Chinese Modern and Contemporary Art and International Modern and Contemporary Art.
For those who are into photography, M97 is certainly the gallery you should be visiting! Opened in 2006, M97 is a gallery focused on shedding light on works of art with the camera. Displayed here are photographs that capture the essence of the upcoming and well-established artists in the photography field. M97 also looks into helping collectors who are first-timers or even institutions. With photographic art from over 30 Chinese and international artists, this is China's largest stage specialising in the field of photographic art.
Rockbund Art Museum adapts a 1930s style of architecture and is popular for its quirky and playful collections from renowned Chinese artists. The museum was opened back in 2010 and is known to be one of the first modern museums established in China located within easy reach from many Shanghai apartments.
Just a 39-minute drive away from apartment hotels like Citadines Songjiang Shanghai, Shanghart Shanghai was opened in 2016. The building is designed to look like stacked shipping containers with two floors dedicated to exhibitions of art, a library full of art books and a rooftop terrace. There are many exhibitions already scheduled for next year.
What was once the Shanghai Longhua Airport hangar is now abuzz with delightful art by popular artists. Exhibitions take place over 100,000 square feet and some even included urban pop artists like Andy Warhol and Qin Yifeng. One of the most amazing displays is undoubtedly the Rain Room where you can walk amongst thousands of raindrops. Visit this museum during your stay in Shanghai.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
