Futian
FUTIAN
Established as China’s first special economic zone in 1980, Shenzhen is not only a leading global technology hub (dubbed ‘China’s Silicon Valley’), but is also at the forefront of China’s cultural and cultural industries. One of the fastest-growing cities in the world in the 1990s and 2000s, Shenzhen houses a number of art museums and institutions to keep the art-lover in you busy. Many of these museums and institutions also have equally flattering architectural designs that are bound to impress.
As one of the 9 districts making up Shenzhen, Futian is home to Shenzhen’s government and municipal committees as well as the city’s CBD – central business district. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the district, immerse yourself in the more grandiose artistic landscape of Shenzhen by exploring architectural masterpieces such as the MoCAPE and AN+ – you will not be disappointed.
Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MoCAPE)
Sandwiched between Lianhuashan Park and Citizen Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MoCAPE) is truly a must-see. Completed in 2016 and part of the Futian cultural district, it is a marvellous complex designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au from Austria. A two-part museum, it consists of the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the MOUP (Museum of Urban Planning). The buildings are meant to be public art spaces to illustrate the city’s artistic and historical transformation, but they have also cemented Shenzhen’s status as an art, design, and cultural destination. With its state-of-the-art technological components, the architectural landmark with its combination of curvilinear lines and geometric designs is bound to impress. After admiring the futuristic-looking architecture, be sure to check out the many stunning contemporary artworks too.
Jupiter Museum of Art
Founded as a non-profit private museum in 2019, the Jupiter Museum of Art is another not-to-be-missed art destination on our list. Seeking to provide a platform for contemporary art and culture between the west and the east, the museum features and facilitates art exhibitions, academic research, and public education. Presenting cutting-edge displays, Jupiter has an ambitious programme and has hosted exhibitions featuring world-renowned Chinese contemporary artists such as Fang Lijun, Sui Jianguo, Zhang Xiaogang, and Song Dong. Be sure not to miss out on any good shows!
AN+ Art & Design Museum
Do you fancy visiting the tallest building in Shenzhen? Newly-inaugurated in 2020, AN+ Art and Design Museum is located in Ping An Finance Center (PAFC), and is amongst Shenzhen’s hottest places to visit. With a variety of art and design exhibitions happening year-round, it aims to be the platform bridging the gap between the east and the west, promoting the development of creative industries both in and outside of China. Showcasing design as art, as well as in addition to art, there’s something for everyone at AN+.
Guan Shanyue Art Museum
Founded in 1995, Guan Shanyue Art Museum is surrounded by prominent landmarks such as the Shenzhen Concert Hall and the central library. The museum is dedicated to researching and showcasing the works of Guan Shanyue, a renowned artist and educator of the Lingnan School. With a collection of approximately 1,800 artworks, it focuses on Guan ‘s art, 20th-century Chinese art, Lingnan School characteristics, and contemporary design ink paintings. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the museum launched a digital art museum in 2022.
KennaXu Gallery
KennaXu Gallery, established in 2018 by Kenna Xu, director of Museum of Contemporary Art, is a contemporary art gallery with two spaces in Futian and Nanshan District known as KennaXu Gallery (KCCA). With a focus on the international art scene, the gallery showcases the works of emerging artists like Alina Birkner, as well as German artists such as Imi Knoebel, Enrico Bach, Jean Y. Klein, and Reinhard Roy. In addition, the gallery actively participates in art fairs, where it presents a diverse range of international artists, including promising emerging talents.
Nanshan Museum
Nanshan Museum is an expansive and comprehensive museum spanning approximately 19,000 square meters. It features a diverse range of exhibits, encompassing heritage, modern, and contemporary art. With seven exhibition halls, the museum’s three permanent halls showcase the rich history of Nanshan, delving into its roots within the history and culture of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Additionally, the museum emphasizes the collection and curation of historical artifacts related to the Maritime Silk Road and the coastal cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
