The city of Shenzhen has just acquired a new cultural venue which adds to an already well-developed landscape. Swedish “museum” network Fotografiska has opened its fifth location in the Shenzhen Bay MIXC shopping center, continuing its expansion in China after setting up shop in Shanghai in 2023. It adds to the group’s constellation of Stockholm, Berlin and Tallinn, Estonia.
After launching a market study in Hong Kong, the company finally opted for a destination which, according to Frenchman Christian Devillers, director of Fotografiska’s Chinese branch, offered better development prospects. The cultural offering is developing rapidly in Shenzhen, relying on a receptive local population: “Shenzhen is the first city where all operational elements are aligned”explained Christian Devillers to South China Morning Post.
For its implementation, Fotografiska joined forces with the developer China Resources Land and the Nanshan district government, which are participating in the financing of the project to the tune of 51% and 49% respectively. The Swedish group is responsible for its operation.
The new Chinese establishment clearly illustrates the model of these places. On the ground floor, a restaurant and concept store, then an exhibition space spread over 5,300 m2 and three levels while the last level gives access to the “Dome Lounge”, which hosts events and artistic performances. The annual program includes exhibitions of photography and new media, but also round tables, creative workshops and musical performances.
“Almost no museum can ensure its sustainability through ticket revenue alone. Its financial balance is based on public subsidies, support from patrons or commercial partnerships with brands. supports Christian Devillers. The various Fotografika sites operate at the crossroads of an art center and a place of life and consumption. These are exhibition spaces and not museums and their conservation constraints, which moreover present easily reproducible multiples.
Each branch also includes a shop which offers photographic books, design objects or products derived from the exhibitions. Partnerships are frequently concluded with companies, which finance exhibitions in exchange for the visibility offered by Fotografiska. The spaces can be privatized for commercial events.
Founded in 2010 in Stockholm by brothers Jan and Per Broman, Fotografiska began its international expansion in 2019 with the opening of two establishments, in Tallinn and New York. The latter closed in September 2024, after five years of operation. Two other sites opened in 2023, in Berlin and Shanghai. Controlled by German businessman Yoram Roth, the group joined forces in 2021 with NeueHouse, an American company specializing in workspaces and private clubs, within the CultureWorks structure. But this diversification ended with the bankruptcy of NeueHouse in September 2025.
The consolidated accounts of Fotografiska Holding AB show, for 2024, a positive net result of 113 million Swedish crowns (around 10 million euros), thanks to financial products, while its operating result was in deficit of 68 million crowns (6 million euros), testifying to a still unstable economic model.
