Opened in 2014, the Yuz Museum is more than just a building. It’s a journey. It’s a testament to one man’s vision and passion for contemporary art. The museum’s founder, Budi Tek, a Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur and collector, envisioned a space where East meets West. He saw a place where Chinese contemporary art could flourish. He wanted to foster a dialogue between cultures. Yuz Museum, nestled in Shanghai’s West Bund, was his answer. Originally housed in a repurposed aircraft hangar, the Yuz Museum has since moved to the serene Panlong Ancient Town. This move itself is a metaphor for the evolution of art and the museum’s own journey.
The museum’s first home, a vast 9,000-square-meter aircraft hangar at Longhua Airport, was a striking example of industrial architecture transformed into a cultural hub. Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, it was a dramatic space. The sheer scale of the hangar provided a unique backdrop for large-scale installations and contemporary works. The museum quickly gained international recognition for hosting exhibitions like the world’s largest Giacometti Retrospective and the immersive Rain Room. It became a vital platform for Chinese artists, showcasing their work alongside international contemporaries. Exhibitions like “Myth/History” and “Shanghai Galaxy” celebrated the vibrant energy of Chinese contemporary art.
Budi Tek’s dedication to sharing art was evident in his generous donations to institutions like the Centre Pompidou, the Singapore Art Museum, and the Brooklyn Museum. He believed in the power of art to transcend borders and connect people. His vision propelled the Yuz Museum onto the global stage. Tek considered the Giacometti exhibition in 2016 a personal triumph. Despite battling illness, he made the journey from the United States to Shanghai for the opening. He said it would have been a lifelong regret to miss it.
In 2023, the Yuz Museum embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Panlong Ancient Town. This move brought the museum closer to the heart of Shanghai’s cultural heritage. The new building, designed by Chinese architect Zhu Xiaofeng, draws inspiration from the traditional residential houses of Jiangnan. The design incorporates elements like “mountain walls” and “double-slope” roofs, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The museum now stands as a testament to the continuity of tradition and the dynamic spirit of contemporary art. Yuz Museum continues to showcase the collection of the Yuz Foundation. This includes works by artists like Yang Fudong, Zhou Tiehai, and Qin Yifeng. The museum also presents a range of international artists, fostering a cross-cultural dialogue that Budi Tek envisioned.