Guía de Shanghái para amantes del arte

Day 1: Classic and Contemporary Art Immersion

• Morning

  

  Begin your day at the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of ancient Chinese art. Explore the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, featuring intricately designed ritual vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The Chinese Painting Gallery offers masterpieces like “Travelers Among Mountains and Streams” by Fan Kuan, a seminal work exemplifying Northern Song dynasty landscape art. Additionally, the Calligraphy Gallery showcases works such as Gu Kaizhi’s “Admonitions of the Instructress”, highlighting the evolution of Chinese script. 

• Afternoon

  

  In the afternoon, visit the China Art Museum, housed in the striking former China Pavilion of Expo 2010. The museum’s permanent exhibitions trace the development of modern Chinese art, with notable pieces by artists like Lin Fengmian, whose fusion of Eastern and Western styles is evident in his dynamic portraits. A highlight is the multimedia rendition of “Along the River During the Qingming Festival”, an animated installation that brings to life the bustling scenes of ancient Bianjing, offering an immersive glimpse into historical urban life. While general admission is free, access to this special exhibit requires a nominal fee of 20 yuan.  

• Mid-Afternoon

  

  Later, head to the M50 Art District, Shanghai’s vibrant contemporary art hub located on Moganshan Road. This enclave hosts a plethora of galleries and studios, such as ShanghART Gallery, which features works by prominent artists like Ding Yi, known for his abstract “cross” paintings, and Xu Zhen, whose multimedia pieces challenge conventional art forms. 

• Evening

  

  Conclude your day at the Yuz Museum, situated in the West Bund area. Founded by Indonesian-Chinese collector Budi Tek, the museum is celebrated for its large-scale contemporary art installations. Notable exhibitions have included works by Ai Weiwei, whose provocative pieces often critique social and political issues, and Alberto Giacometti, renowned for his elongated human sculptures.  

Day 2: Hidden Treasures and Contemporary Icons

• Morning

  

  Start your second day at the Long Museum West Bund, established by collectors Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei. The museum’s diverse collection spans from traditional Chinese art to contemporary works. Highlights include pieces by Zeng Fanzhi, whose expressive paintings explore the human condition, Takashi Murakami, known for his vibrant “Superflat” style, and Xu Bing, celebrated for his innovative use of Chinese characters in art.  

• Afternoon

  

  Next, visit the Power Station of Art, China’s first state-run contemporary art museum, repurposed from a former power plant. The museum hosts a rotating array of exhibitions that delve into current social and cultural themes. Past showcases have featured multimedia installations by Cai Guo-Qiang, known for his gunpowder art and pyrotechnic displays, and Yang Fudong, whose black-and-white films capture the nuances of contemporary Chinese society.  

• Mid-Afternoon

  

  In the mid-afternoon, explore the Rockbund Art Museum, situated near the historic Bund area. This institution focuses on contemporary art, with a mission to promote innovative and challenging works. Exhibitions have spotlighted artists like Zhao Bandi, whose satirical pieces often incorporate panda imagery to comment on societal issues.  

• Evening

  

  Conclude your art journey at the West Bund Art & Design Fair, an annual event that attracts galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the globe. The fair showcases a wide array of contemporary artworks, from paintings and sculptures to digital media. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with artists, discover emerging trends, and acquire unique pieces. After exploring the fair, unwind at a nearby rooftop bar along the Bund, where you can reflect on Shanghai’s dynamic art scene while enjoying panoramic views of the city’s skyline.