M50 Art Quarter in Shanghai

M50, short for the address, 50 Monganshan Road, is a contemporary art district in Shanghai that houses over a hundred and twenty artists and studios open to the public.  The art district was started in an abandoned mill in 2000, fueled by the cheap rent of the unused industrial space.  M50 has spread to take over several factories and warehouses, converted into studios, galleries, and other art-related businesses.

 Entrance with M50 map

Scattered around outside are numerous sculptures, some whimsical, some serious.

Sculpture scattered around

The complex is a maze of passageways, alleyways, and studios.

 Alleyway with studios and galleries on both sides

Wandering through the complex, I stick my head into several galleries and see the expansive and varied collection of art.

 Wandering through the studios and galleries

 Outside, artists have painted the walls along the street and on the construction wall a few blocks away.

 Decorating the neighborhood

 And, not all neighbors are pleased!

After wandering through the studios and galleries, I head along Suzhou Creek back to People's Square, enjoying the beauty and calm of the path and gardens in the middle of this large city.