Fotografiska Shenzhen to open Oct. 1

Video by Wang Haolan

What makes Fotografiska Shanghai so bewitching isn’t any single ingredient — not just the old warehouse along the Suzhou Creek, not only the world-class and experimental photography, not only its popular restaurant and store. It’s the way all these elements fuse into something richer: a dialogue between memory and the moment.

In Shenzhen, that dialogue takes a new turn, but the magic remains — not as an echo of the past, but as a promise of what a new cultural space can become when art, everyday life, and the future meet at Shenzhen Bay.

Fotografiska Shenzhen will open on Oct. 1 at Shenzhen Bay MIXC, joining Fotografiska’s existing locations in Stockholm, Berlin, Tallinn, and Shanghai. Four inaugural exhibitions have been announced, blending internationally renowned masters with emerging talents:

“ToiletFotoPaperGrafiska” presents the Italian creative duo Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari, unveiling the provocative, hyper-visual universe of TOILETPAPER magazine. The show blurs the boundaries between art, fashion, advertising, and popular culture.

Courtesy of TOILETPAPER

Courtesy of TOILETPAPER

“Morphing Equilibrium” features works by Michael Najjar, an artist drawn to dangerous and challenging places. It includes his first immersive 360-degree video, exploring the connection between human civilization and the natural environment.

“Festa” is a solo exhibition by Chinese artist Shi Guowei, examining the relationship between photography and painting and expanding what each medium can achieve.

“Storm” brings together works by 12 photographers shortlisted for the latest cycle of Prix Pictet. As the leading award for photography and sustainability, Prix Pictet spotlights artists addressing social, environmental, and humanitarian issues.

Founded in Stockholm in 2010, Fotografiska is a contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture, offering visitors an immersive experience centered on cutting-edge visual art. 

Christian Devillers, Managing Director of Fotografiska China, said that the museum takes a highly deliberate approach to lighting — so that photography seems to “float” in space and viewers can focus fully on the original works, without the feeling of walls closing in.

A scene from the “Unseen Work” exhibition, featuring works by Vivian Maier, at Fotografiska Shanghai on March 12, 2026. Photo from China News Service

Spanning 5,300 square meters, Fotografiska Shenzhen will feature five exhibition spaces, including one with a 12-meter-high ceiling, ideal for presenting oversized works. 

Its MONA restaurant combines European and Chinese influences, while the concept store features works by emerging creators and designers. “We curate restaurants and retail the same way as we curate our exhibitions,” Devillers said. “We think food can be art — and can be enjoyed as much as art.”

He emphasized the community experience for Shenzhen visitors, guided by the belief that photography is the most influential, accessible, and inclusive art form of our time. Public programs — such as lectures, workshops, music and art performances, and educational activities — will be integrated into the experience.

He also highlighted the museum’s opening hours until 11 p.m., allowing visitors to enjoy exhibitions after work and offering an inspiring social moment within the museum. 

A scene from the SHANG1 BY SHANGYI 2025 A/W fashion show at Fotografiska Shanghai on March 25, 2025. Photo from China News Service

“During the past two and a half years, Fotografiska Shanghai has hosted a high density of exhibitions and events, and the Shenzhen site will bring the same experience, staying consistent with Fotografiska’s international model,” Devillers added.

Unlike other Fotografiska sites, which occupy historic buildings, the Shenzhen project is being shaped by a new architectural canvas. Through the idea of “layers of the future,” the design by AIM turns a new building into a flexible, multi-functional cultural space.

“The concept for Shanghai looked at the layers of the past. There, we have a lot of historic elements,” Devillers said. “In Shenzhen, the concept is looking to the future.”

A view of Shenzhen Bay MIXC.

When asked why Fotografiska chose Shenzhen, he replied, “Shenzhen is the first time after Shanghai where all the elements come together.” 

“Shenzhen represents one of the most energetic and forward-looking cities in Asia,” he added. “The city’s strong foundation in innovation, design, and technology creates a natural environment for a contemporary image art space where we can experiment with the ‘museum of tomorrow.’”

With Shenzhen Bay Culture Square and the Róng Museum of Art nearby, Fotografiska Shenzhen is located within an emerging cultural cluster along Shenzhen Bay. “Our partner, Shenzhen Bay MIXC, is quite committed to culture,” Devillers said.

“Having multiple cultural projects to create an ecosystem — and a cultural environment supporting us — is very helpful for us to grow faster. We’ve started discussions with institutions about coordinated programs and promotions, so everything becomes integrated.”

Fotografiska Shenzhen exterior rendering.

Venue: Fotografiska Shenzhen, L3, C2 Zone, Shenzhen Bay MIXC, 1218 Haide 1st Road, Nanshan District (南山区海德一道1218号深圳湾万象城C2区L3 Fotografiska深圳湾美术馆)

Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit K1