On the 25th, the Gulangyu Art Space of the National Art Museum of China will officially open to the public at No. 5 Zhangzhou Road, Gulangyu Island. Concurrently, the museum will launch the "Collection Activation" series exhibition: From Picasso to David Hockney-Selected Works from the Ludwig Collection. A total of 21 international art treasures from the museum's collection will be displayed together, including two original Picasso masterpieces, offering the public a high-end international art feast.
The Gulangyu Art Space of the National Art Museum of China was revitalized and utilized from the former site of the British Consulate on Gulangyu. The building is a national key cultural relic protection unit and an important component of Gulangyu World Cultural Heritage. After careful repairs, this century old building has officially opened to the public for the first time. In the future, it will continue to introduce fine works from the collection of the National Art Museum of China and international art treasures, creating a new cultural landmark on Gulangyu Island.
The core highlight of the exhibition is two authentic masterpieces of Picasso's late period - "Infantry with Birds" and "Man Smoking a Pipe", both of which are not replicas or digital projections, but original works full of life experiences and emotional journeys in Picasso's late artistic career. They can be regarded as the "brightest stars" of the entire exhibition.
It is reported that these two treasures originated from the famous German art collectors Ludwig and his wife, who are known as the "world's largest private collectors of Picasso". In 1996, the Ludwig couple donated 89 sets of international art treasures, including multiple Picasso works, to the National Art Museum of China. In 2026, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the donation, this precious collection was specially exhibited on Gulangyu Island, with special commemorative significance.
The Infantry with Birds "was created in 1972, just five months after Picasso's death. The image of a veteran in the painting is a metaphor for the master's self, conveying a calm attitude towards life and reconciliation with oneself; The Man Who Smokes a Pipe "showcases a calm and proud spirit. Two works are presented side by side, like Picasso's inner monologue that spans time through his paintings. It is reported that Lady Ludwig Eileen personally took down "Infantry with Birds" and prepared to send it to China. Although she was reluctant to shed tears, she insisted on making art transcend borders, and this work has become a symbol of friendship between the Chinese and German people.
In addition to Picasso's works, the exhibition also showcases the works of 20th century European and American art masters such as Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and David Hockney, presenting a complete picture of the development of modern art in Europe and America from the 1960s to the 1980s. Visitors can experience the diverse charm and contemporary style of Western art in one stop.
Exhibition time:
April 25th to October 31st, 2026
● Opening hours:
Daily 9:00-18:00
(Admission stopped at 17:30)
Exhibition location:
China National Art Museum Gulangyu Art Space (No. 5 Zhangzhou Road, Gulangyu)
