HKRI Taikoo Hui proudly welcomes “The Louis” by Louis Vuitton – a major new space that reimagines the intersection of luxury, culture and urban living. This architectural landmark blends retail, gastronomy, and immersive storytelling, adding a vibrant new dimension to the Nanjing West Road commercial district and establishing a cultural icon in Shanghai.

To support this transformation, HKRI Taikoo Hui has implemented a series of creative enhancements designed to elevate the shopping experience. The arrival of “The Louis” marks a defining moment in the destination’s brand evolution, offering audiences a world-class showcase that brings together design, heritage and cultural engagement.

“The Louis” - A Visionary Space Inspired by Travel and Heritage

“The Louis” is a striking, boat-shaped structure that pays homage to Louis Vuitton’s heritage of travel and Shanghai’s maritime legacy as the “Gateway to the East”. From its elegant prow and hull embellished with a metallic Monogram, to the sumptuous deck and the stacked upper levels resembling Louis Vuitton’s historic trunks, every detail embodies the essence of the luxury brand. “The Louis” invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey specially curated by Louis Vuitton. Le Café Louis Vuitton offers a luxury snacking menu, while the Visionary Journeys exhibition takes guests on a voyage through time and space — connecting history, imagination, and the future.

Located on the third floor, Le Café Louis Vuitton features a bar and casual seating areas. The dining area features warm wood tones, soft lighting, and curated bookshelves, creating a serene retreat inspired by classic ocean liners. As Louis Vuitton Hospitality continues to expand its distinctive culinary footprint globally, Le Café Louis Vuitton in Shanghai embodies the essence of East-meets-West — creating a graceful dialogue between Western and Chinese influences. The menu features both Louis Vuitton’s signature dishes and exclusive new creations crafted especially for this location.

The exhibition space, designed in collaboration with OMA, spans 1,200 square metres across two floors. Visitors begin their journey on the first floor of the exhibition, ascend to the second level, and then transition into the Louis Vuitton store. The space presents a curated selection of women’s and men’s leather goods, small leather goods, accessories, shoes, and travel items.

The new exhibition Visionary Journeys makes its grand debut within this space, focusing on four key themes: travel, craftsmanship, fashion and innovation. It offers a deep exploration of the brand’s multi-dimensional legacy. Set within the vast scenographic layout conceived by OMA, visitors journey through time via a series of themed galleries to rediscover the forward momentum of Louis Vuitton from its beginnings through the present day.

Art as Urban Dialogue: “Ocean Encounters” Initiative

Coinciding with the grand opening of “The Louis”, HKRI Taikoo Hui, in collaboration with Meta Media Group, presents “Ocean Encounters” - a cross-cultural art initiative that transforms HKRI Taikoo Hui into a vibrant canvas for social connection. The initiative showcases works by three acclaimed artists: Liam Gillick, a British pioneer of the “Relational Aesthetics” concept; Nobuaki Takekawa, a Japanese contemporary artist; and Tianzhuo Chen, a Chinese multidisciplinary artist. 

In the LG1 North Atrium, Gillick’s signature minimalist installation “Perpetual Discussion Platforms”, forms four vibrant plexiglass structures that act as floating islands of interaction — encouraging spontaneous conversation and intellectual exchange within public spaces. 

Takekawa’s “Galley in the Age of Great Knowledge”, located in the LG1 Atrium, draws inspiration from the Age of Exploration. His whimsical “knowledge vessel” reflects humanity’s pursuit of understanding and direction, blending playful visuals with deeper cultural themes.
Spanning four escalator zones, Chen’s “Oceanic Whisper” is a 300-metre visual journey depicting a whale gliding through the city’s imagined sea. The work unfolds across four chapters—Trace, Drift, Trigger, Echo — each telling a unique ecological story that invites reflection on our connection to the natural world.

HKRI Taikoo Hui’s Ongoing Journey of Exploration and Innovation

From its inception, HKRI Taikoo Hui has embraced a spirit of exploration and continuous innovation. It has pioneered a series of “firsts” in the Chinese Mainland, including the first STARBUCKS RESERVE™ ROASTERY SHANGHAI and The Harrods Tea Rooms, expanding the possibilities of urban retail. Since initiating enhancement works in 2022, HKRI Taikoo Hui has partnered with leading global brands to introduce flagship and concept stores that elevate the retail experience. Over the past three years, it has curated themed retail spaces and lifestyle concepts that bring world-class commercial models into Shanghai’s urban landscape. Notable additions include BALENCIAGA, IWC’s flagship boutique, and the world’s first ZEGNA CAFFÈ. 

With the launch of “The Louis”, HKRI Taikoo Hui marks a major milestone in its journey of innovation. This landmark project elevates the district’s commercial profile and strengthens its position as a cultural and retail destination. Rooted in the vibrant Nanjing West Road area, “The Louis” will integrate seamlessly with Zhangyuan and surrounding developments, driving commercial revitalisation and shaping a world-class retail district.

As Shanghai advances its vision to become an international consumption centre, HKRI Taikoo Hui is playing a pivotal role by attracting global brands and supporting regional growth. Ongoing enhancements to the Nanjing West Road interchange will further amplify the district’s appeal. Looking ahead, HKRI Taikoo Hui will continue to lead with bold thinking and creative ambition, driving the development of a “100-billion-yuan world-class commercial district” in Jing’an and supportinga new wave of commerce for Nanjing West Road and Shanghai.