Imposing its presence through various shades of white, the Museum of Art Pudong by Ateliers Jean Nouvel hovers over the Huangpu River that flows by its Shanghai site. Clad with white granite stone, the monochromatic concept was inspired by the Suprematism abstract art movement and Mevich’s White on White (1918).
Alongside the prominent white stone, the building features two large glass walls made up of energy-saving glass. The glass panels measure up to 12 meters and weigh up to 10 tonnes. The passing Huangu River is reflected in the glass.
Two mirrored glass and LED display screens, one above the museum and one on top of the ventilation tower, are linked at night by laser beams that create intersecting lines of light.
In addition to accommodating permanent and temporary gallery spaces with differing ceiling heights, the Museum also includes a theatre, roof terrace, food and beverage vendors, a library and offices.
The site is surrounded by tall trees and an undulating landscape. The tall trees of different species form a natural windbreak and dark backdrop that highlights the brightness of the museum. In the landscape the will be statues as well as lights that change from night to day illuminating contemporary artworks in the form of statues.
