Once an industrial area, now a vibrant art district. That is M50 in Shanghai. This place is also known as 50 Moganshan Road. It is a hub for contemporary art. M50 houses over 120 galleries and art studios.
M50’s story began with the Chunming Slub Mill. The mill closed in 1999. Local artist Xue Song saw potential in the empty industrial space in 2000. Cheap rent attracted him. Soon, other artists followed. Ding Yi, Qu Fengguo and Wang Xingwei also came to M50.
Today, old factories and warehouses are art spaces. They have become galleries and studios. Design agencies also call M50 home. Shangtex owns the land and buildings. This state-owned textile group once ran the factory.
M50 is often compared to New York’s SoHo. Some even compare it to Beijing’s 798 Art Zone. Time Magazine listed M50 as a top ten thing to do in Shanghai. Both locals and tourists visit.
Many well-known artists work at M50. Zhou Tiehai and Yelan are among them. The media art collective Liu Dao also has a presence here. Notable galleries include ShanghART Gallery and Pantocrator Gallery.
M50 hosts many events. There are about 300 events each year. They take place throughout the park. The M50 art season and creative selections are popular.
Besides art, M50 offers other attractions. You can find shops, bars and cafes. Tea rooms offer various aromas. Dessert shops serve handmade snacks. You can even DIY jewelry or print photos.
ShanghART Gallery is one of China’s earliest contemporary art galleries. It works with over 60 artists. It presents high-quality art exhibitions.
The graffiti wall is a sight to behold. It stretches from Changhua Road to Moganshan Road. The wall is covered in colorful graffiti. D.N. Darkroom offers a unique experience. You can learn to print black-and-white films. Morelife lets you make pottery and leather goods. Ofoto Gallery showcases photography art. UNDEFINE is a coffee shop with a cool design. It hosts exhibitions and film shoots.
M50 is more than just an art district. It is a place where creativity thrives. It is a place where old meets new. It is a place that inspires. So, take your time to explore. Let the art soothe away the day at M50.