Inside Espace Gabrielle Chanel, Chanel’s New Contemporary Art Library

Summary

• Chanel opens Espace Gabrielle Chanel, the first public contemporary arts library in mainland China
• The space features a library, exhibition grounds, a terrace, theater and design center
• The project culminates the house’s long-term partnership with the institution and anticipates further programming dedicated to contemporary Chinese craft, culture and theater

Chanel has lifted the veil on Espace Gabrielle Chanel, mainland China’s first public library dedicated to contemporary art. Located within Shanghai’s Power Station of Art (PSA), the 18,000-square-foot library is home to over 50,000 books and audio editions, positioning itself as a major new hub for contemporary art research and discovery.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kazunari Sakamoto, the library’s design emphasizes a sense of stability and flow within the former factory space. The maze-like “valley of books” echo the surrounding Huangpu River, taking cues from both the free-flowing energy of the natural landscape while maintaining the space’s industrial heritage. Alongside the library, new house-backed additions to PSA include an upgraded exhibition hall, theater, new design center and terrace overlooking the river.

The project marks the first major initiative by Chanel’s Culture Fund in Asia and reflects the brand’s long-term partnership with PSA through its Next Cultural Producer program. Launched in 2021, the program seeks to support emerging practices in contemporary Chinese craft, architecture and theater.

“Espace Gabrielle Chanel is a manifestation of our commitment to future cultural producers, readers and art enthusiasts across China,” Yana Peel, Chanel’s president for arts, culture and heritage, told ARTnews. Rather than building standalone spaces, Chanel has focused its energy into strategic partnerships with now 50 leading institutions worldwide — including initiatives at Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art, MCA Chicago, Centre Pompidou in Paris and London’s National Portrait Gallery — to foster artistic experimentation and public engagement.

“The library embodies what is at the core of Chanel Culture Fund’s ideology,” Peel continued. “This idea of cross-cultural exchange, of honoring heritage, housing the archives of a nation, and also showcasing the best of what’s coming in the avant-garde.”