Chanel's le19M Brings Craftsmanship and Cultural Dialogue to Shanghai with First China Exhibition
From September 25 to November 15, 2026, Chanel’s le19M will present la Galerie du 19M SHANGHAI at the Museum of Art Pudong (MAP), marking the international programme’s third global stop and its first appearance in China. Occupying the museum’s entire third floor, the exhibition brings together artisans, artists and designers from France and China to explore how traditional craftsmanship continues to inspire contemporary creation while fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Established by Chanel in 2021, le19M is home to 11 Métiers d’art houses, an embroidery school and more than 700 artisans and specialists dedicated to preserving and advancing exceptional craftsmanship. The Shanghai programme reflects le19M’s mission to make artisanal knowledge more accessible through exhibitions, education and public engagement, positioning craftsmanship as a dynamic cultural practice rather than a historical legacy.
The programme is anchored by two major exhibitions. A Sense of Touch presents a dialogue between the savoir-faire of le19M’s artisan houses and contemporary art, bringing together leading Chinese and French artists working across textiles, embroidery, ceramics, lacquer, bamboo weaving, wood carving and installation. Through the concept of “touch,” the exhibition explores craftsmanship as a medium for memory, materiality and cultural connection, revealing how traditional techniques continue to evolve through artistic collaboration.
Running alongside it, Lesage Embroidery House: One Hundred Years of Fashion and Decoration celebrates the centenary of the renowned embroidery atelier, a long-standing creative partner of Chanel. The retrospective traces a century of embroidery innovation while highlighting Lesage’s enduring creative exchanges with China, demonstrating how cultural influences have shaped both haute couture craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Beyond the exhibitions, la Galerie du 19M SHANGHAI will host a comprehensive public programme featuring artisan-led embroidery workshops, sustainability-inspired creative activities, lectures, guided tours and educational initiatives designed to engage audiences of all ages. Together, the exhibitions and cultural programming underscore the growing importance of preserving artisanal knowledge through participation, education and international collaboration.
By bringing together heritage craftsmanship, contemporary art and public engagement, la Galerie du 19M SHANGHAI offers a platform where tradition and innovation intersect. The initiative reinforces the role of craftsmanship not only as a foundation of creative industries, but also as a vehicle for cultural exchange and the long-term preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
