Chinese 'super-collectors' open largest private museum

Renowned Chinese art collectors Wang Wei and Liu Yiqian have launched China's largest private museum.

The 10,000-square metre Long Museum is located on Luoshan Road in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai and boasts three floors of artworks and artefacts. A comprehensive collection of blue-chip Chinese contemporary art is on the ground floor, with Mao-era Red Classics from 1949-1979 on the second. The third floor holds traditional works and ancient artefacts.

Opening exhibition Through All Ages showcases the best of Wang and Liu's collection. It includes ancient jades, porcelain, and imperial artefacts, as well as pieces from revered Chinese contemporary artists such as Fang Lijun and Zhou Chunya. Work by Emperor Song Huizong bought by Wang three years ago for 9.9 million dollars also features.

Designed by modern artist and architect Zhong Song, the Long Museum's minimalist style goes against the current trend of big and bold in Chinese architecture. By his own admission Zhong has gone for "clean and quality". The light-coloured granite for the exterior of the building is complemented by fewer and smaller windows.

Wang and Liu have already begun planning a second Long Museum at the Shanghai West Bank Media Port on the Xuhui Riverside. It will focus on contemporary art and is expected to open its doors next year.