Sep 7, 2012

Modern Art in Beijing

Friday, September 07, 2012
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While in Beijing recently for a conference, I visited the 798 Art District (798 艺术区),  an interesting area of eclectic galleries and shops housed in some interesting old buildings.


Strange art in Beijing
The 798 Art District consists of many buildings that were formerly military factories that were part of a 1950s military/industrial partnership between the new People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union. After China started "opening up" and privatizing business, the factories had a tough time and were mostly out of business by the early 1990s.


Slideshow of photos from 798 Art Zone

In the mid 1990s, Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts moved into one of the abandoned factories and other avant garde artistic ventures followed until the area ultimately emerged as the center of Beijing's modern art community. Many of the buildings have been renovated and now house art galleries, crafts and souvenir shops, clothing stores, coffee shops and restaurants.

Although the area has become more upscale and touristy in recent years, it still retains much of its eclectic appeal and is well worth a visit if you happen to be in Beijing.

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