Century-Old Shanghai Mansion Opens Its Doors to Contemporary Art

Prada Rong Zhai, a famous Shanghai mansion on Shaanxi Road N, was built over a century ago. Its first group art exhibition blends historic architecture and contemporary art.

Rong Zhai was originally the home of a German expatriate. In 1918, it was purchased by Rong Zongjing, a famous Chinese businessman, who later carried out major renovations and expansions.

The mansion is a prime example of Shanghai's mix of architectural styles. Its design combines French classicism, ancient Greek elements and Art Deco. The building features a grand exterior, two-story columned verandas and a distinctive hexagonal tower with a pale red dome.

Visitors will discover beautifully carved wooden wall panels, vintage fireplaces, and decorative floor tiles throughout the mansion. One of its most impressive features is the large stained-glass dome; when sunlight filters through, it casts colorful patterns across the floor and walls.

Outside, a garden bordered by tall plane trees offers a quiet place to relax.

The new exhibition, "Chuanqi: Spacetime Dialogues at Rong Zhai," brings together classic works by four contemporary Chinese artists: Geng Xue, Peng Wei, Song Dong and Xie Xiaoze. 

The exhibition across the mansion features videos, paintings and installations. Through different forms of art, the four artists explore traditional Chinese culture, personal stories and architectural history.

Curated by Wu Hung, the exhibition incorporate the mansion into the experience rather than just displaying art. Visitors can see contemporary art in rooms with many historical details. Arts bring new ideas and energy to the historic space.

Prada Rong Zhai also has several popular spots for visitors to explore and take photos.

The colorful stained-glass dome is one of the highlights. Sunlight filters through colorful stained glass, casting beautiful patterns across the floor. Surrounded by delicate wood carvings, the space is filled with vintage charm, making it perfect for dreamy photos.

Check out the courtyard outside the historic villa. It has tall plane trees and a lush lawn. It's a peaceful place to unwind. Old and new blend together in a peaceful setting under the villa's dome.

If you go

Dates: Through February 28, 2027; Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-6pm

Venue: Prada Rong Zhai

Address: 186 Shaanxi Road N. 陕西北路186号

Admission: 60 yuan; advance real-name reservation required; search for the "Prada荣宅" mini program on WeChat, select the exhibition and your preferred visiting time to make a reservation. Advance booking is recommended.