Exhibition traces Shanghai's urban evolution since 1949

The exhibition, "Building Shanghai: Architecture, Urbanism and Culture since 1949," is on display until August 3 at the West Bund Museum.

It outlines key events in the development of Shanghai's architecture and urban landscape over the last 80 years.

The exhibition showcases over 60 intricate models, a wealth of rare architectural drawings, photographs and videos, complemented by artistic interpretations of urban memories, offering a comprehensive examination of modernity in Chinese architecture.

"At its core, it raises a fundamental question: in the continuous interaction between global cultural influences and local customs, how can architecture function as a tangible representation of social dynamics and a tool for imagining the future?" said Li Xiangning, curator and professor at Tongji University.

The exhibition has multiple sections: "Housing the City," "Prelude to Reform," "Shaping Lujiazui," "Waterfront Renaissance" and "Adaptive Regeneration."

"Housing the City" examines the innovative contributions to public architecture, campus planning, and sports facilities in the formative years of China, highlighting the urban ethos characteristic of the new socialist era. This analysis explores the evolution from workers' villages to modern high-rise apartments, highlighting the impact of public living spaces on the city's structure and everyday life.

"Shaping Lujiazui" details the development of Shanghai's central business district.

"Becoming a Global City" illustrates how significant projects solidified Shanghai's position in the international arena. "Revitalizing the Waterfront" examines the repurposing of industrial heritage along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek.

The equilibrium between preservation and innovation in a high-density setting, such as the Bund historic district, is evident in the segment titled "Adaptive Regeneration."

The Sino-Soviet Friendship Building (now Shanghai Exhibition Center), Shanghai Stadium (now Shanghai Grand Stage), Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Grand Theater, Pudong International Airport, the Expo site, the Huangpu River waterfront, Xintiandi, Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street, and the Bund area offer visitors a glimpse into Shanghai's living history.

The exhibition depicts Shanghai's urban and cultural evolution through carefully chosen case studies and historical narratives, capturing the memories and emotions of generations.

If you go

Date: Through August 3, 10am-5pm (close on Mondays)

Venue: West Bund Museum

Address: 2600 Longteng Ave｜龙腾大道2600号

Admission: 120 yuan