Closer look: OPEN Architecture's Tank Shanghai, five fuel tanks converted into a contemporary art center and park

Over the course of six years, OPEN Architecture transformed five decommissioned aviation fuel tanks into a vibrant contemporary art center and public park. Overlooking the banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River, the art center has attracted hoards of visitors and large cultural events since opening in March 2019.

With a site area of 47,448m2, the project was envisioned as an art museum and open park that embraces public life. The tanks are surrounded by sloping landscaped meadows that connect to the street and riverside. 

OPEN Architecture retrofitted the five tanks according to the program requirements for each of them. Tank 1 is a two-story live-performance house and bar that contains a drum-shaped inner tank with curving walls that improve the space's acoustics. Tank 2 is a restaurant organized around a circular central courtyard, which features a rooftop deck for dining.