M50 Creative Park
The Queen of Belgium has visited too
Shanghai M50 Creative Park is at 50 Moganshan Road in the Putuo District. It used to be the Shanghai Chunming Woolen Mill. Since 2000, it’s been turning into an art and creative space. M50 is one of the top ten art districts in the world and has even been in Time magazine. The Queen of Belgium has visited too!
M50’s transformation started in 2000. That’s when young artist Xue Song came here looking for a studio. Then, the arrival of the Swiss Galerie Templon helped make this place a hub for artists.
Now, M50 is home to over a hundred artist studios that are open to the public. There are about 150 art institutions and creative design companies from over 30 countries and regions. Here, you can enjoy a variety of contemporary artworks and soak up a strong artistic vibe.
The M50 complex features buildings that showcase Art Deco style from the Republic era and Soviet-style architecture from the early days after liberation. Many of these buildings have witnessed over 80 years of history and change.
Around M50 Creative Park, there are plenty of Western restaurants and fusion eateries offering a variety of delicious dishes to suit different tastes. These restaurants blend seamlessly with the art studios and galleries in the area, creating a unique cultural vibe. You can enjoy great food, appreciate art, and experience the clash of fashion and culture all in one place.
Near M50 Creative Park, you’ll also see another landmark in Shanghai: Tian’an Qianshu. It’s not just a commercial complex; it’s also an art center designed by the famous architect Thomas Heatherwick. The design draws inspiration from China’s natural landscapes, like the Yellow Mountains and other mountain ranges, creating a lush “hill.”
The project officially opened on December 22, 2021, and quickly became a popular spot, attracting lots of tourists and locals to check it out and experience it.
Practical Travel Tips
- You can pretty much walk into any shop in the park, but be careful—some places don’t allow photography. Just check for signs, especially in personal studios that aren’t really about exhibitions.
- This is a hub for artists, and they often have free art exhibitions. There are also plenty of studios where you can enjoy the artwork, even if you don’t buy anything.
- The main attraction here is the various exhibitions! They focus on art shows and small installations. There are around a dozen or twenty mini exhibitions happening at the same time, and they’re all free! You won’t be able to see everything!
- The first floor is filled with shops, small galleries, studios, and cafes. The floors above mostly have small studios and creative company offices.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to M50 Creative Park
By Bus
- Tourists can take several bus routes to reach M50 Creative Park, including routes 64, 76, and 105.
By Subway
- Take Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station. Exit from Exit 2, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to M50 Creative Park.
