Shanghai's M50 Arts District

Andy Hill

Shanghai’s M50 arts district, so-called because it was originally spawned from a building bearing the address 50 Moganshan Rd., is one of the most impressive groupings of art galleries and studios to be found anywhere.

M50 has its origins in the decision of a few Shanghai artists to take up studio space in a building that was formerly a textile mill. The rent was cheap, and soon more artists moved in until Moganshan 50 and neighboring abandoned warehouse spaces became the primary focus of artistic activity in Shanghai.

These house the many galleries and studios that comprise M50. These galleries and studios line concrete hallways that have been reconverted to have a fresh, raw, neo-industrial feel.

Most of the work visitors can find at M50 would fall into a modern category; yet, there is an impressive diversity of styles and mediums. There are also plenty of artists with work on display who draw very strongly upon classical Chinese scroll paintings, motifs and imagery.

Visitors to M50 can also nosh on various artisan foods or sip coffee or cocktails at the several cafés located around the space. There is also a bookstore with many different artisan crafts made by local creators.

One of a kind in the world

I’ve never been to an area with so many different studios and galleries anywhere in the world. Certain parts of cities that I’ve been to have clusters of art spaces but nothing like M50. It is obvious that there is a robust and vibrant art scene in China today, and it is inspiring to see the collaboration among artists that the M50 area evidences.

M50’s reclaimed, spontaneous origins give it a stamp of authenticity that many modern urban art spaces lack, and it looks like it will only further establish itself in the years and decades to come as a major destination for artists and art lovers from all over the world.

The easiest way to get to M50 using Shanghai’s clean, high-frequency, easy-to-use subway system is to get off at the Zhongtan Rd. station, walk down Zhongtan across the river and take a left at Moganshan, following the mural-covered wall for several minutes until you see the galleries.

Those who would like more information about M50 can visit the website here: http://www.m50.com.cn