An Art-Lover's Guide to Beijing's 798 Art District
The 798 Art Zone is a place of pilgrimage for art lovers in Beijing. The avant-garde art district used to be a Bauhaus-style socialist factory compound built in the 1950s with the assistance of the Soviet Union and the DDR. In 2002, American Robert Bernell opened his Timezone 8 Art Books bookshop and publishing office in a derelict former factory, and 798 became one of the most famous art districts in China. This is a guide to the best galleries and artistic spaces in the 798 Art Zone.
1. UCCA (Ullens Center for Contemporary Art)
Art Gallery, University, School, Cinema, Theater
Almost any guide on the galleries of the 798 Art District would put UCCA on top of the list. The Beijing branch of the international contemporary art institution was opened in 2007, and has presented over 100 exhibitions, featuring both Chinese artists and significant figures in international art trends. It is one of the few galleries in China that attaches great importance to education, regularly providing talks, workshops and art cinema, and having a bookstore that sells limited editions of cutting-edge artists and designers. What’s more, it even has its own volunteer docents.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:30)
2. Hive Center for Contemporary Art
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
3. PACE Beijing
Forest, Park
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00
Tang Contemporary Art
The gallery first opened in Bangkok in 1997 and was later established in Beijing and Hong Kong. It is dedicated to presenting projects and exhibitions that promote contemporary Chinese art, as well as providing a space for dynamic dialogues between artists, curators and collectors. It regularly represents leading Chinese artists including Ai Weiwei, Liu Xiaodong, and Huang Yongping. Its two galleries in the 798 Art District are must-go places for lovers of Chinese art.
1st Gallery Space: D06, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, +8610 5978 9610
2nd Gallery Space: B01, 798 Art District, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, +8610 5762 3060
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:30 (Nov-Apr) / 11:00-18:30 (May-Oct)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZVMZepgkXq/?taken-by=tangcontemporaryart
4. Faurschou Foundation Beijing
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (Closed on bank holidays)
5. M WOODS
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:30-18:00
6. Pinacotheca of Korean Mansudae Art Studio
Art Gallery
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-17:30
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