Passing by the building of the Shanghai Oriental Art Center or the SHOAC, located in the Lujiazui shopping area of Pudong district, you can't help but wonder: «What is it?» No sign, no signboard, nothing tells casual passers-by what is hidden behind the quaint facade, which is not like any other in the city.

An amazing building that appeared in the park near a busy roadway resembles a huge art object. It can be seen through the crowns of trees. It seems to look over their tops, change its shape as you move, but remain a mystery to drivers and pedestrians.

«And what if we get closer?» As you get closer, the smooth and shiny pearl-gray facade turns into convex glass panels. Through them, you can see high and colorful walls that soar to the sky, as well as a large staircase leading deep into the building, where some magic is happening for sure.

«And what if we go inside?» Then you can merge with a crowd of different people with a cheerful light in the eyes. This light seems to give a hint that there will be a holiday! People go to different halls, take their seats, and wait for a miracle, the name of which is art.

If you suddenly come to the Shanghai Oriental Art Center, you will find yourself in a mysterious and beautiful world of happiness and aesthetic pleasure, hidden from the prying eyes of passers-by. This place is a chameleon. You will be greeted with rich natural colors, bright natural light, and the crowd noise that is so familiar in Shanghai. However, the rest of the time you will spend holding your breath in a hall with muted lights and melodic sounds, and all your attention will be focused only on the stage.

The Shanghai Oriental Art Center is a majestic philharmonic hall that hosts concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and other world-class cultural events. It is one of the largest of the similar institutions not only in the city but also in the whole country.

And if you don’t know what to do next evening, check out the playbill of Shanghai Oriental Art Center and spend your time with benefit and pleasure.