Caochangdi Art District is positioned as a creative base for contemporary artists, a platform for exchange, and a multifunctional cultural venue for teaching and training. Over the years, more than 300 institutions and galleries have entered the art district, making it the most active, free, and distinctive cultural creative paradise for artists after Beijing’s 798 Art District. Among them, the very famous ones include the Chambers Fine Art Gallery, Three Shadows Photography Art Center, Beijing Now Gallery, and White Space. People who know about the Caochangdi Art District often mention the ‘Red House’, a large red brick courtyard located slightly to the south. It is home to the renowned Chambers Fine Art Gallery. Inside the gallery, the northeast corner of the courtyard features a century-old mulberry tree from Zheng Guogu’s ‘The Century-Old Tree Grows Again’. The metal sculptures hanging above the courtyard are by Song Dong and Yin Xiuzhen. One is for spraying water mist and the other is for illuminating neon lights. The multi-angled stone sculpture ‘Mochou’ is a work by Qiu Zhijie, a key piece in his ‘Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge’ project. Surrounding the courtyard are two large exhibition spaces to the east and west, and a smaller space at the back for displaying video and installation works. Like galleries in New York, the outdoor space is integrated into the entire architectural design, providing great flexibility for displaying installation works and hosting cultural and social events.Beijing Now Gallery is located next to the Chambers Fine Art Gallery and actively participates in numerous international art fairs.
The Three Shadows Photography Art Center is likely the largest building in Caochangdi, featuring gray brick walls that are designed to be undulating and layered. It is a unique architectural feature that the small recessed holes can be lit with candles on summer evenings, creating a magical atmosphere.
If you find yourself sitting on the grass in front of the Three Shadows Café, basking in the sun, you might feel as if you’ve entered a private garden. The tranquility and quietness of the place are truly soothing.
Full text. The gallery is open all year round, from January 1st to December 31st, with operating hours between 10:00 and 17:00.
