UCCA Center for Contemporary Art

UCCA Center for Contemporary Art is an absolute must-see destination for anyone interested in the global art scene.

The UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, originally founded in 2007 as the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, has firmly established itself as China’s leading non-profit, non-governmental museum dedicated to contemporary art. Its primary and most well-known location is nestled right in the heart of Beijing’s famous 798 Art District, a vibrant cultural hub transformed from a decommissioned industrial factory complex. The center’s mission is to showcase both the development of Chinese art and bring exceptional international artists to a broad audience, fostering an inclusive and cosmopolitan dialogue that connects China’s artistic vision with the rest of the world.

The architecture of the main Beijing venue is a stunning blend of history and modernity. It is housed in repurposed factory chambers originally built in the 1950s, maintaining its industrial, Bauhaus-influenced structure with expansive, soaring ceilings. This unique setting, including its signature Great Hall exhibition space, provides a powerful and dramatic backdrop for large-scale installations and boundary-pushing contemporary works. Following a major regeneration project in 2019, the building has a striking visual identity that perfectly complements the cutting-edge art it contains, making the space an integral part of the visitor’s experience.

UCCA is recognized for its ambitious and thought-provoking exhibition program, frequently staging major solo shows by both iconic Chinese artists like Cao Fei and Xu Bing, alongside global superstars such as Olafur Eliasson and Maurizio Cattelan. Beyond its Beijing flagship, UCCA has expanded its cultural footprint with other architecturally distinct venues, including the renowned UCCA Dune—a museum buried beneath the sands of a beach in Beidaihe—and UCCA Edge in Shanghai. Visiting the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art offers a truly immersive experience where you can explore the pulse of the contemporary art world and witness how art is shaping China’s cultural landscape.