Leica opens 1st mainland integrated venue in Shanghai

German luxury camera manufacturer Leica officially celebrated the opening of the Leica Store and Gallery, together with the Cafe Leitz in Shanghai on Saturday, marking a strategic milestone ushering in the brand's first Chinese mainland location integrating retail, gallery and hospitality.

Located at West Bund Central in Xuhui district, the space brings together a Leica Store, Leica Gallery and Cafe Leitz under one roof, with the gallery being the company's first brand-operated photography gallery in the Chinese mainland and the 28th in its global network.

"This new store is a strong signal of our commitment to Shanghai, our Chinese customers and the culture of photography," said Andreas Voll, CEO of Leica Camera AG. "The Leica Gallery serves as the central cultural part of our new story here, and creates a space for exchange, inspiration and the culture of photography.

"It reflects our continued commitment to preserving and also to advancing the art of photography in this vibrant and culturally important city of Shanghai," Voll added.

Siegmund Dukek, managing director of Leica Camera Greater China, told China Daily in an exclusive interview that the company had long sought the right Chinese mainland venue for the gallery.

"China has always been an important part of our global strategy," Dukek said. "Since entering the Chinese market in 2016, we have continuously listened to the evolving needs of photographers, creators and imaging enthusiasts."

He observed that today's photographers expect more than technology alone. "Cameras, outstanding technology, and quality excellence will always remain at Leica's heart. But we see increasing desire among photographers and creators for creative experiences, cultural exchange and offline connections."

He noted that Shanghai was the preferred option from the start due to its unique blend of lifestyle sensibility and art appreciation. "West Bund Central connects art, design, culture and creative industries," Dukek said. "The open, diverse and vibrant creative spirit aligns perfectly with the visual art and artistic spirit Leica represents."

Leica's China expansion, which includes five stores in Shanghai alone and an online community exceeding 10,000 enthusiasts, reflects its broader conviction in the power of physical touchpoints. Cafe Leitz is Leica's coffeehouse concept that now has a presence in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, international art director and chief representative of Leica Galleries, emphasized that physical spaces remain vital in an increasingly digitized world. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the imaging and media landscape, Leica is doubling down on human craftsmanship as an important value.

"AI doesn't have a human approach," Rehn-Kaufmann said. "For me, photography is always connected to a human being using the camera, the human being with the eye, with the heart, with the soul. Each person sees something different. This human approach is, for me, the most important thing."

To mark the official opening, Leica Gallery Shanghai Westbund Central is presenting works by renowned photographer Marc Riboud. "These are iconic images from Marc and from China," Rehn-Kaufmann said. "To start with classic, beautiful black-and-white photography from China was very important. We wanted something genuinely connected to China, because we are coming to your country."

"Now you really see China finding its own way in design, fashion and photography. Young people are creating a language that represents their own country," she added. "Finding these voices and helping them find that language is also a task for our galleries."

Beyond retail and exhibitions, the new space will host Leica Akademie workshops, artist talks and book signings. Dukek emphasized the space aims to serve diverse audiences, from dedicated fans seeking to curate exhibitions to casual visitors discovering photo art for the first time.

"It could be the starting point for discovering what Leica represents, or the beginning of a lifelong journey into photography and art," he noted. "We want this to be a place where Leica loyalists can connect, newcomers can discover the brand, and everyone can spark their own creative story around photography. Hopefully, it will become part of their daily lives and lifestyles."

zhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn