First Reawakenings Across the Asia Pacific

As the initial epicenter of Covid-19, China was also the first to resume regular business and cultural life. More than 180 public museums across 19 provinces reopened in mid-March, with safety precautions such as temperature checks and limited entry. In Shanghai, the Power Station of Art resumed its solo survey of Gordon Matta-Clark’s architectural projects, while the West Bund Museum welcomed visitors to see pieces from the Centre Pompidou’s collection. Galleries including Edouard Malingue, MadeIn, Almine Rech, and ShanghArt also reopened for business in March and April.

As China’s capital downgraded its emergency status in late April, the 798 Arts District came back to life. Gallery Weekend Beijing was reformatted as an extended program from May 22 to 31, while the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art launched