Travellers seeking the perfect Instagram backdrop now have a spectacular new reason to visit Shanghai – and those with a penchant for luxury shopping will find themselves doubly delighted. Louis Vuitton has unveiled “The Louis”, a breathtaking ship-shaped cultural landmark that's as much about the 'gram as it is about grabbing that coveted handbag.
The life-size cruise ship installation has dropped anchor at Taikoo Hui on Shanghai's Nanjing West Road, and even before its doors officially opened on 29 June, the gleaming chrome vessel had social media users sailing into a frenzy with photos and videos of its mirror-like metallic monogram exterior.
Stretching an impressive 114.5 metres long and towering 30 metres high, this maritime marvel isn't just for show. The three-storey, 1,600-square-metre experience cleverly marries retail therapy with cultural exploration. The vessel's upper levels are ingeniously designed to resemble Louis Vuitton's iconic stacked trunks – a nod to the brand's voyage-ready heritage and Shanghai's port legacy as the “Gateway to the East”.
Inside The Louis, vibrant trunk displays, immersive archways, themed rooms, and a stylish café create countless Instagrammable spots perfect for capturing luxury and creativity. Photo Credit: LVMH
Inside, visitors embark on the Visionary Journeys exhibition through the Trunkscape installation, featuring immersive archways of monogram canvas trunks against ever-changing nature backdrops. The journey culminates at Le Café Louis Vuitton on the top deck, where warm wood surfaces and soft lighting evoke the cosy cabin of a vintage cruise liner – complete with parasols creating that essential seaside atmosphere on the outdoor terrace.
The Louis offers travellers something genuinely unique – a free cultural experience that doubles as a luxury shopping destination, perfect for those seeking both cultural enrichment and retail indulgence in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Entry to The Louis is available by registering through LV’s WeChat mini-program.