Shanghai's historic Prada Rong Zhai mansion has reopened to the public and will be free to visit for nine days, offering a rare chance to step inside one of the city's most iconic heritage landmarks.

From Oct 10 to 19, the 1918-built residence is hosting the SEA BEYOND project, featuring immersive exhibits and educational activities for both children and adults focused on ocean conservation.

Listed as a cultural heritage site in Shanghai's Jing'an district since 2004, Prada Rong Zhai underwent meticulous restoration by Prada Group beginning in 2011 and reopened in 2017.

Today, it serves as a cultural hub where history and contemporary creativity meet. During this special event, its restored interiors merge with ocean-themed installations, creating a dialogue between human heritage and marine life.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's head of corporate social responsibility, said the SEA BEYOND initiative aims to inspire deeper connections with the ocean through art and science. "Since its launch in 2019, SEA BEYOND has been promoting awareness about the ocean, which covers 71 percent of the Earth's surface and urgently needs our protection," he said.

Ocean & Climate Village exhibition

The highlight of this year's program is the Ocean & Climate Village exhibition. Developed by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the traveling exhibition explores the links between the ocean and global climate. After stops in Milan, Venice, Naples, Barcelona, and Qingdao, this marks its second appearance in China.

Visitors can explore five themed sections that illustrate the ocean's role in regulating the planet's climate. Topics include marine biodiversity, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and the impact of individual and collective actions. Interactive installations such as UpSea Down visualize a sea-level rise from 1940 to 2100, while Feel the Change lets visitors touch and compare natural and acidified marine ecosystems.

Photography and film

Across four floors, Rong Zhai showcases striking works by Emmy-nominated photographer and climate artist Enzo Barracco. Captured during expeditions to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska, his photos offer a vivid portrayal of fragile marine environments and the impact of climate change.

Workshops for children

Workshops designed for children aged six to 16 blend science, art, and sustainability. Participants can learn about marine species with Japanese illustrator and ichthyologist Sakana-kun, explore endangered sea life through storytelling, and experiment with traditional Chinese mineral pigment painting to express the harmony between nature and art.

About SEA BEYOND

Launched in 2019 by Prada Group and UNESCO-IOC, SEA BEYOND promotes ocean literacy among young people through global education programs that have reached over 35,000 students. The initiative now extends to scientific research, community engagement, and marine policy advocacy.

If you go

⏳ When: Until Oct 19

🕰️ Opening hours: 10 am–6 pm

📍 Where: No 186 North Shaanxi Road, Jing'an district

🎟️ Admission: Free (advance booking required via the "Prada荣宅" WeChat mini-program)

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"