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A ship-shaped edifice in the center of a metropolis might sound surreal, absurd, or even kitsch. And yet, it is none of those things. Despite the initial sense of surprise, the building somehow feels utterly at home, almost as if it has always belonged there. This is The Louis, Louis Vuitton’s newest architectural feat: a striking, sculptural construction designed to resemble an ultra-luxurious ocean liner that, rather than sail the seas, has dropped anchor for good in the very heart of Shanghai. Within its hull lies the Maison’s boutique, the Le Café Louis Vuitton, and the Visionary Journeys exhibition, an absorbing, narrative experience that sweeps the visitor through time and into the enchanting world and creative heritage of the House.
The exhibition unfolds as a timeless journey, offering a sensorial exploration of the Maison’s rich and multifaceted legacy, from its passion for travel and fashion to its relentless innovation and unmistakable savoir-faire. Conceived by architect Shohei Shigematsu of the acclaimed firm OMA, this stunning scenographic experience invites guests into an immersive voyage through historical archives, iconic creations, and captivating installations.
Just beyond the entrance, visitors are greeted by Trunkscape, a monumental arched passageway built entirely from travel trunks in the iconic Monogram canvas, a majestic tribute to Louis Vuitton’s original and pioneering creation.
Visionary Journeys reveals Louis Vuitton’s enduring spirit of innovation through a curated sequence of thematic rooms: Origins, Voyage, Perfume, Books, Sport, Fashion, Workshop. From the House’s founding in Asnières in 1859 to the contemporary visions of Marc Jacobs, Nicolas Ghesquière, Virgil Abloh, and Pharrell Williams, each space narrates a story of fashion, craftsmanship, and the Maison’s singular approach to lifestyle.
Among the exhibition’s highlights is the legendary Library Trunk once owned by Ernest Hemingway, while intoxicating fragrances composed by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud evoke vivid images and deep emotion. Every object stands as tangible proof of how artistry, technical mastery, and the art de vivre converge at the core of the Louis Vuitton identity.
The Louis is far more than a retail destination or a space that hosts the Visionary Journeys Exhibition, it is a powerful tribute to Louis Vuitton’s spirit of travel. The building draws inspiration from the Maison’s 19th-century history of crafting trunks for ocean voyages, while simultaneously reflecting Shanghai’s maritime legacy as the famed “Gateway to the East.”
Located on Wujiang Road, in the heart of the city’s business district, this architectural marvel sets itself apart with its elegant prow, its metallic Monogram-adorned hull, and upper levels that mimic the appearance of Louis Vuitton’s storied trunks.
Visionary Journeys is open to the public daily, from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is free, upon registration via the “My LV” app on WeChat.
Through this unique experience, Louis Vuitton opens the door to its cultural legacy, inviting a global audience to embrace travel as a form of expression, emotion, and perpetual reinvention.
