The Louis

The Louis is a striking ship-shaped architectural pavilion created by Louis Vuitton, situated outside the HKRI Taikoo Hui complex along West Nanjing Road. Rising around thirty meters high, the metallic structure resembles a futuristic luxury ocean liner whose tiered decks mimic stacked vintage steamer trunks bearing the brand's monogram. The nautical concept draws a deliberate connection between the fashion house's nineteenth-century origins in designing travel trunks for sea voyages and Shanghai's historical identity as a global port city.

Inside, the three-level venue functions as an experiential destination combining an exhibition space, a retail boutique, and a cafe. The lower floors house the Visionary Journeys exhibition, developed with architecture studio OMA, which showcases historical trunks, archival documents, bespoke travel items, and contemporary designs. On the upper level, Le Café Louis Vuitton offers dining and drinks alongside an open-air terrace with views over the bustling streetscape.

The exterior is an unusual photo spot set against the surrounding commercial towers, while the interior exhibition is open to the public free of charge. Entering the ship typically requires booking a timed ticket in advance through Louis Vuitton's WeChat mini-program, though visitors can also check for same-day walk-in slots using the on-site QR codes.