A brand-new art center is all set to open to the public this Saturday. Tank Shanghai – which is made up of former aviation oil terminals – will greet residents and tourists alike with three different art exhibitions, reports Shine.
As the name suggests, the art center were previously oil tanks of Shanghai Longhua Airport, one of the first airports in China. Although the airport is no longer in charge of any passenger services, some of its facilities are still maintained.
Image via Sohu
Back in 2014, collector Qiao Zhibing saw the potential in these deserted facilities and invited OPEN Architecture to redesign the area. "The government intended to demolish these oil depots," Qiao, now founder of Tank Shanghai, told The Paper. "Both West Bund and I petitioned for them and spared them from that fate."
Occupying an area of 60,000 square meters, the once unspectacular oil terminals have evolved into an art complex containing exhibition halls, restaurants, greenery and education centers.
Image via The Paper
The main body of the art center are the five oil tanks, which are independent from each other while inner-connected. It is worth noting that Tank No.1 and No. 2 won't be open during the grand opening tomorrow.
The most anticipated exhibition is dubbed 'Universe of Water Particles in the Tank.' Designed by none other than teamLab, the show at Tank No.5 is going to feature assorted paintings and immersive installations centering on water and the concepts of the poetic and Zen.
Image via NetEase
Tank No.3 and No.4 will also feature gorgeous and glamourous exhibitions. The former will hold a show named 'Under Construction,' gathering the artworks of 13 contemporary Chinese artists. The latter will display the solo exhibition of Argentinian sculptor Adrián Villar Rojas.
Tank Shanghai will officially be open to the public tomorrow. It will join the ranks of Yuz Museum and Long Museum to enrich the artistic flair of the West Bund.
[Cover image via The Paper]
