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Chanel and Power Station of Art Launch Mainland China's First Public Contemporary Art Library in Shanghai

institutional · 2026-04-19

The Power Station of Art in Shanghai now features mainland China's first public library dedicated to contemporary art, named Espace Gabrielle Chanel. Spanning 5,466 square meters, this library is located on the museum's third floor and was designed by Japanese architect Kazunari Sakamoto, complete with a terrace overlooking the Huangpu River. The library's collection boasts over 50,000 books and audiobooks, with more than 10,000 items currently available. This initiative stems from a long-term partnership between PSA and Chanel, established in 2021, marking the Chanel Culture Fund's inaugural project in Asia. Yana Peel, Chanel's president for arts, culture, and heritage, emphasized its role in fostering cultural exchange, while Gong Yan, PSA's director, highlighted its dedication to cultural pioneers. Future developments for Espace Gabrielle Chanel include a 300-seat public theater and an Archive of Chinese Contemporary Art. The Chanel Culture Fund, launched in 2021, is involved in 50 projects worldwide and has worked with institutions like Hong Kong's M+, the Taipei Performing Arts Center, and Seoul's Leeum Museum of Art. The Power Station of Art is recognized as China's first government-operated contemporary art museum.

Key facts

  • Espace Gabrielle Chanel is mainland China's first public contemporary art library.
  • It is located on the third floor of Shanghai's Power Station of Art.
  • The library spans 5,466 square meters and was designed by Japanese architect Kazunari Sakamoto.
  • The collection includes over 50,000 books and audiobooks, with more than 10,000 currently accessible.
  • It features an upgraded exhibition hall and a terrace overlooking the Huangpu River.
  • The project results from a partnership between PSA and Chanel launched in 2021.
  • This is the first project by the Chanel Culture Fund in Asia.
  • Future plans include an Archive of Chinese Contemporary Art and a 300-seat public theater.

Entities

Artists

  • Kazunari Sakamoto
  • Yana Peel
  • Gong Yan
  • Joan Yiquan Chen

Institutions

  • Chanel
  • Power Station of Art
  • Chanel Culture Fund
  • ARTnews
  • ArtAsiaPacific
  • M+
  • Taipei Performing Arts Center
  • Leeum Museum of Art

Locations

  • Shanghai
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Taipei
  • Seoul
  • Huangpu River

Sources