Louis Vuitton has opened a temporary hotel-themed experiential space in a historic mansion on Wukang Road in Shanghai's Xuhui district, marking one of the brand's key global initiatives to celebrate the 130th anniversary of its Monogram.

Located at No 1 Alley 40, Wukang Road, the space is open to the public from Jan 1 to 18. Admission is free, and no reservation is required.

Despite its name, the space is not a functioning hotel. Instead, Louis Vuitton has transformed the century-old Spanish-style residence into a hotel-inspired setting featuring a lobby, guest room, terrace, champagne bar, and fitness area. The concept reflects the growing emphasis on experiential retail, with a focus on spatial storytelling and visitor engagement.

Inside the mansion, Louis Vuitton traces the history of its Monogram through a sequence of themed spaces. Iconic bags such as the Keepall, Speedy, Neverfull, Noe, and Alma are each associated with different rooms, accompanied by archival trunks, vintage handbags, and visual materials that chart the evolution of the Monogram pattern.

Interactive elements are integrated throughout the experience. Visitors can access audio storytelling linked to specific products, while a customization and bag care area offers hot stamping services for luggage tags and passport holders. Limited-edition anniversary products are also on display, reinforcing the continued relevance of the Monogram in contemporary design.

The setting itself is an important part of the experience. The building was constructed in 1923 and designed by Chinese architect Dong Dayou, also known as Doon Dayu (1899–1973), a prominent figure in early modern Chinese architecture. It is listed among Shanghai's outstanding historic buildings and underwent a conservation-led restoration in 2024, preserving its original architectural features while adapting the space for contemporary use.

According to the brand, the Wukang–Anfu Road area was selected for its strong cultural appeal and high pedestrian traffic. In recent years, it has emerged as a preferred location for international brands entering the Chinese market.

By the end of last year, nearly 30 first stores by global brands had opened in the area. These include the adidas Originals global flagship, Le Labo's first standalone store on the Chinese mainland, La Maison de Famille Longchamp, and the upcoming debut of French designer brand Lemaire.

The opening continues Louis Vuitton's recent strategy in Shanghai, where the brand has increasingly used cultural and historic sites as platforms for public-facing activations. Previous initiatives include multi-location displays on Julu Road, a post office-themed installation inside the Shanghai Postal Museum, and the large-scale ship-inspired installation The Louis in the city center.

If you go

Louis Vuitton Hotel

Open: 11 am to 9 pm, now until Jan 18

Where: No 1 Alley 40, Wukang Road, Xuhui district

Sources: Wenhui Daily and Louis Vuitton