Chanel debuts first ever library in China

Espace Gabrielle Chanel / Photo: Chen Hao, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Espace Gabrielle Chanel, described as the first public library of its kind, has opened in Shanghai. The roughly 1,700-square-meter space was designed by Japanese architect Kazunari Sakamoto and is located on the third floor of the Power Station of Art museum.

A collection of more than 50,000 works

The library holds more than 50,000 books and audiobooks, including over 10,000 titles accessible to visitors. It will also host an archive dedicated to Chinese contemporary art.

Espace Gabrielle Chanel / Photo: Chen Hao, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Theater and exhibition space planned

A 300-seat public theater is planned as part of the project. The site also includes an exhibition hall featuring architectural and design installations tied to the library’s opening and to the history of Chanel’s longstanding relationship with the arts.