ShanghART Gallery
ShangaiART gallery is one of the first contemporary art gallery established in China. The gallery represents over 40 national and international artists and is a recurrent participant in major international art fairs. By keeping a close contact with major art fairs and art venues all over the world ShanghART Gallery has a substantial role in the development of cultural art scene in China and its relationship with the global art market.
Long Museum West Bund
There is a delightful tension of old and new at the Long Museum West Bund, a sleek space born from a crumbling coal-hopper bridge dating back to the 1950s. The four-storey umbrella-vaulted structure that houses this private museum is an architectural showpiece in itself, serving as a go-to backdrop for local photographers.
Inside the 16,000-square-metre (172,222-square-foot) space is a globe-trotting showcase of temporary exhibitions. Past highlights have included Louise Bourgeois’s monstrous spider sculptures, along with pieces by contemporary Asian artists.
M97
M97 shows photography exclusively. They deal in some of the most noteworthy Chinese photographers as well as other contemporary photographers.
Focused on contemporary and fine art photography, M97 presents the work of Chinese-born photographers who have managed to depict visually stunning aspects of life in China. Recently the gallery has changed its location and moved from Moganshan Road that has been its home for almost 10 years to the abandoned factory complex in Shanghai’s Jingan District.
Leo Xu Projects
Leo Xu Projects gallery is founded by Shanghai-based art expert and writer Leo Xu as an extension of his curatorial practice. The vibrant space in the heart of the former French Concession has featured an array of shows of the young Chinese artist working in a variety of media. The exhibitions at Leo Xu Projects gallery highlight the possibilities of new media and the 21st-century’s complex sociopolitical climate. The gallery also supports off-site projects that often include individuals from all art genres including filmmakers, designers, and musicians.
Jing’an Sculpture Park
Lush green spaces are not exactly in short supply in Shanghai, considering the need to balance the great swathes of steel and concrete that dominate this megacity. Jing’an Sculpture Park brings together both natural and designed worlds with its permanent and ever-evolving installations.
The pieces range from compact to colossal, set among tree-lined walkways, flower gardens and rolling lawns. If you sit still long enough on one of the park’s benches, you might spot some frogs soaking up the Shanghai sun.
K11 Art Space
K11 Art Space opened its doors to public in March 2013. The gallery takes pride in its variety of teaching programs that motivate people to explore their artistic potential. Apart from art exhibitions the spacious venue also hosts various art forums, workshops and educational courses for both adults and children. Art enthusiast can turn to K11 Art Space for learning about art techniques and aesthetic anytime.
Power Station of Art
One of the few 2010 Shanghai Expo buildings that have been nicely re-purposed into something interesting. The Power Station of Art is a contemporary art museum that hosts some interesting exhibitions.