Push open the door of a historic building at Jing'an Li, and you'll see red brick walls, arched corridors, and Corinthian columns standing quietly. This is Tang Shaoyi's Former Residence, which once hosted luminaries like Sun Yat-sen and Liang Qichao. Now transformed into the venue for AArt Art Season 2026, it breaks the boundaries of traditional exhibition halls and offers a completely different viewing experience.

The most striking innovation of this art season is turning the historic building into an exhibition space. Bidding farewell to the stereotypical "white box" art gallery, with no exhibition walls or harsh spotlights, works such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations are naturally scattered throughout the old house's living room, corridors, columns, and patio. They blend gently with wooden floors, retro window lattices, and dappled light, making every step feel like walking into a living piece of history.

Step into the East Building of the Former Residence, and you will be fully immersed. You don't have to rush or keep your distance. Instead, you can quietly appreciate the brushstroke details of a work in front of the retro living room, encounter an art installation at the corner of the corridor, and feel the texture and breathing of sculptures in the light and shadow of the patio. This relaxed, private, and home-like way of viewing exhibitions turns art from a lofty exhibit into a touchable, immersive, and conversational daily companion.

This art season gathers a distinguished selection of works from galleries in China, Japan, Singapore, France, the United States, and other places. Oriental artistic conception and international contemporary art converge here. Classic works of artists such as Wu Guanzhong and Zhao Wou-Ki (Zao Wou-Ki) are presented alongside cutting-edge creations. Meanwhile, the historical heritage of old buildings and the contemporary vitality of art complement each other, which makes the visit increasingly profound and rewarding.

Every weekend, the Art Season organizes various themed salons delving into topics ranging from art collection basics, Haipai culture, public art and community building, and cross-border art business. The program also partners with a diverse array of creative brands to craft interactive, multi-sensory experiences. Simultaneously, spaces within the historic residence are reawakened by the infusion of lifestyle aesthetics, such as vinyl listening records, pour-over coffee workshops, tea ceremonies, incense appreciation, and art therapy sessions.

Evolving from a three-day exhibition to a nearly two-month urban cultural happening, AArt has officially entered its 2.0 era. It is more than an exhibition; it is an activation of the historical neighborhood: Here, century-old buildings are actively used and felt, rather than merely preserved for admiration. Art is not simply viewed but woven into the fabric of daily life.

This summer, come to the East Building of Tang Shaoyi's Former Residence in Jing'an Li. Amid the imprints of time in every brick and tile, you can embrace a gentle rendezvous between art and life and discover the unique romance of Shanghai-style aesthetics.

Tips

Duration: Now through July 19

Venue: East Building, Tang Shaoyi's Former Residence, Jing'an Li, 588 Wujin Road

Opening Hours: 12:00‒17:00, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays); Admission: Free, register on-site via QR code