The newest trending hotspot for photo opportunities in Shanghai is Louis Vuitton’s “The Louis“, a life-size ship installation on the upscale shopping district of Nanjing West Road which has become an Insta-hit. The ship itself is Shanghai’s new must-see landmark, helping the mall HKRI Taikoo Hui, where it is based, draw about 100,000 visitors a day.
Shaped like a cruise ship, the structure features a steel facade with a mirror-like LV Monogram and a prominent, branded anchor at the bow. The design is intended to echo the city’s role as a port city and gateway to the East. Ultimately, it is designed to draw crowds and boost luxury sales in China.
It has been reported that this temporary exhibition is expected to be around for four years, meaning it should be there until approximately mid-2029, with some reports mentioning at least two years (to 2027).
Part store, part museum
“The Louis”, a three-story installation, is part store, part museum. It houses a museum with an exhibition called “Visionary Journeys,” which takes up 80% of the space spanning 1,200 square metres across two floors, whilst retail & café occupy the remaining 20%.
Key highlights
First floor
The entrance is a visually immersive archway featuring Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas trunks. Called the Trunkscape, this installation features the brand’s monogram canvas trunks, with ever-changing nature scenes as a backdrop.
The first floor features a Sports Room that showcases trophy trunks used for major sports events, golf collections, sneakers and more.
The mirrored ceiling and stacked Louis Vuitton trunks create a surreal atmosphere perfect for photography. The ship’s upper levels were designed to look like Louis Vuitton’s historical trunks, stacked in different sizes.
Second Floor: Exclusive LV Store
The second level is home to a Louis Vuitton boutique featuring Shanghai-exclusive limited editions. Its signature Women’s and Men’s collections offer leather goods, accessories, and shoes, alongside exclusive hot stamping. In addition to handbags, hats, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, belts, pillows, and perfumes, it carries exclusive and unusual items such as mahjong sets, fine teacups, luxury tableware, designer bicycles and collectible books.
Third Floor: Le Café Louis Vuitton
On the third deck is its crown jewel, Le Café Louis Vuitton. Created by Michelin-Star chef Leonardo Zambrino and Pastry Chef Zoe Zhou, each dish balances East and West, presented through a curated menu crafted only for Shanghai. Coffee, cakes, and main dishes are all served with the LV logo and other luxury offerings such as steak and caviar are served as well.
It was reported that it is one of the hardest-to-book dining spots in Shanghai. Reservations require a 300 CNY (about US$43) deposit, and tables are usually booked well in advance. Reservations can be made through the official WeChat account, under the same system as exhibition bookings.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
