Lujiazui

LUJIAZUI 

As one of China’s four direct-administered municipalities, there’s no other city like Shanghai. Rich in art and culture as well as international relations history, every corner of Shanghai has a story to tell. The city is also one of Asia’s earliest contemporary art hubs, attracting many international galleries and artists while domestically growing and developing its own institutions. Shanghai’s emphasis on culture has also seen the growth of some key districts such as the West Bund, with many other new projects currently in the making. 

A visit to Shanghai would not be complete without seeing what Lujiazui has to offer. As Shanghai’s central business district as well as one of China’s top financial hubs, Lujiazui is situated on the Pudong side of the Huangpu River. You will find the tallest and newest skyscrapers in Shanghai, some of the city’s most popular malls and food destinations, as well as the suggested art institutions here below. 

 Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) 浦东美术馆  

A Lujiazui government-funded project that started in 2017, the MAP finally opened its doors to the public in July 2021. Designed by Jean Nouvel, it covers six floors with 13 exhibition halls and a rooftop terrace. In addition to being a lifestyle destination, MAP is a museum presenting first-class exhibitions in partnership with first rate museums around the world. Expect marquee events and installations at this space, from the world’s most famous historical artists to established big names on the Chinese contemporary scene.  

Modern Art Museum Shanghai 艺仓美术馆 

Situated on the East Bund, MAM’s Chinese name means ‘art storage space’, and references the building’s original purpose as a coal warehouse. With its original architectural integrity preserved, since 2016 the MAM has been hosting a variety of multi-media performance art and community events, on top of traditional exhibitions that focus on Asian contemporary art. With ‘Art is happening’ as its motto, MAM is on a mission to promote public arts education.  

 Aurora Museum 震旦博物館 

Aurora Museum is Lujiazui district’s first privately-owned art institution. Established in 2013 and situated on the east Bund amongst the glitzy skyscrapers of Pudong’s modern business district, the museum is a beautiful and refreshing sight. Open year-long, it primarily exhibits cultural artifacts of Chinese history, partnering with institutes such as the Peking University Archaeology and Museology College to preserve the richness and complexity of Chinese culture.  

HOW Art Museum

HOW Art Museum, founded by collector Zheng Hao, consists of two museums: HOW Art Museum (Shanghai) and HOW Art Museum (Wenzhou). HOW Art Museum (Shanghai) opened its doors in 2017, pioneering the concept of a ‘Night Art Museum.’ Spanning three floors, it houses exhibition spaces, the HOW Design Center, and HOW Store. The museum also hosts international exchange programs and outdoor public activities, such as the International Curatorial Residency Program, Outdoor Film Festival, and Sculpture Park, aiming to establish a dynamic art complex and cultural landmark in Shanghai.