Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MOCAPE) Guide: Exhibitions, Location & Tips

Venue Overview

Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MOCAPE), known as “Two Museums”, is a cultural landmark in Futian Central District. Covering an area of 29,000 square meters with a total construction area of 88,000 square meters, it has been a core platform for showcasing urban Culture and contemporary art since its opening in 2017. Designed by the Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, the venue adopts avant-garde concepts such as “texture, cutting, and fission”. Its external metal skin shows different textures with light and shadow changes, and the 6-17 meter high column-free exhibition space inside is matched with the core “silver cloud” installation, achieving a perfect integration of architecture and art, making it easy to take sci-fi photos.

Must-See Exhibitions

MOCAPE’s exhibitions cover two dimensions: contemporary art and urban planning, balancing appreciation and knowledge. For international special exhibitions, it once held Hajime Sorayama’s largest solo exhibition in South China, “Light, Transparency, Reflection”, featuring more than 80 works spanning half a century, including paintings, sculptures, and new media images. The 12-meter-tall giant robot sculpture outdoors has a strong visual impact and has become a popular check-in spot. Among the permanent exhibitions, “Pearl River Tide” comprehensively presents the course of Guangdong’s reform and opening-up through physical objects, documents, and technological means, from the scene of Shekou’s pioneering cannon to the dynamic sand table of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, allowing visitors to experience the changes of the times in an immersive way. In addition, the venue regularly introduces exhibitions by international masters such as Anish Kapoor and Ma Yansong, continuously bringing cutting-edge art experiences.

Practical Visiting Information

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 Tuesday to Sunday (last reservation and entry at 17:30), closed on Mondays (subject to notice on legal holidays).

Reservation: Free real-name reservation is required. You can make a reservation 7 days in advance through the official WeChat account “深圳市当代艺术与城市规划馆” (Shenzhen MOCAPE), divided into two time slots: 10:00-14:00 and 14:00-18:00. Each adult can bring up to 2 children, and special groups can seek on-site assistance from staff.

Transportation: Directly accessible via Metro Line 3/4 to Children’s Palace Station Exit A2. For self-driving, Park at Civic Center P2 Parking Lot. It is adjacent to Lianhuashan Park, allowing for a combined tour.

Visiting Tips: Show reservation information and valid ID for entry and security check; free drinking water is provided in the venue, but there is no power bank rental service. Lighters and opened water must be disposed of before security check; the night session on Friday and after 3 pm have the best light for photography.