What was once an industrial district has now been converted to a trendy creativity enclave for the artistically inclined. 50 Moganshan Road, Moganshan Lu or M50 are all pointers to the same direction; an arts district where established artists and new talent dive into the muse-space to come up with innovative and meaningful pieces. M50 is to Shanghai, what SoHo is to New York; an area where contemporary art flourishes and takes wing.
Based in Putuo district of Shanghai, bordering the downtown of Jing’an district, at one time Moganshan road had a string of mills and production units which were steadily abandoned. The Chunming Slub Mill, a state-owned enterprise, shut down but was never demolished and the area was deserted for a time. Then artist Xue Song in year 2000 moved here for the low rent and other recognized artists followed suit, making the place a thriving art culture scene that it is today.
The area is based on the bank of Suzhou creek but there are not many public transport stops nearby for easy access. The closest subway stop is the Jiangning road station on Shanghai metro line 13. Walking towards the Suzhou river along Tianmu West road, then going north along its bank will land visitors right at Moganshan. The place is instantly recognizable with the walls bearing graffiti with an amazing level of detail. Entrance to Moganshan Lu is free and public toilets are available. Most galleries and artists’ exhibits are open from 10:00 to 19:00 and many of the visitors there are foreigners indulging in the Shanghainese aesthetic sense.
Things to do include absorbing the boho-chic ambience of the streets and visiting the art galleries, a few of which are charged. Many are free to visit though. There are statues and art installations in the area made of recycled and at times surprising mediums. These installations come in all shapes and sizes and the exhibits are always in a transient state. It may be interesting to catch an artist exposition in progress.
As an area full of artists displaying their wares, prices of the artwork are all over the place. More established internationally known artists will put higher price tags on their work while up-and-comers may be more willing to negotiate a reasonable price for work that may still have more quality than big names. Ultimately, it is a place for those with deeper pockets who can splurge on contemporary art.
Galleries worth visiting in the area include shanghART H-Space Gallery at the top of the list. It is owned by a Swiss citizen and is among the pioneer galleries of Shanghai and much revered. East Link, Art Scene, M97 Photography and Shanghai Art Gallery will also be enriching experiences for tourists who pay them a visit.
During exploration, or once visitors have had enough of art, there are a few cafes and teahouses with tables and chair set in the middle of a compound where they can unwind and process the overload of creative muse.