Shenzhen Bay Culture Square: Bridging Global Design

Anchored in Shenzhen—China’s first UNESCO City of Design—Shenzhen Bay Culture Square (D-Bay) is a cultural landmark that opened in November 2025, with over 50,000㎡ of exhibition space. Its core collection and permanent exhibitions stand as a premier institution redefining the design landscape.

Marking a special moment ahead of the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Horse — Aarnio’s sculptural Pony arrives with timely symbolism, celebrating optimism, movement, and new beginnings. Recently acquired into D-Bay’s permanent collection, Aarnio’s large-scale, unique Pony and Ball Chair sculptures highlight the museum’s growing global design vision.

The large-scale sculptures Pony and Ball chair at D-Bay, Shenzhen.

The sculptures were first presented in 2024 at A Full Circle, the solo exhibition of the iconic Finnish designer Eero Aarnio. Shanghai West Bund Art & Design, established in 2014 is the largest and most prestigious art exhibition, taking place annually from November 8th to November 10th. 

The exhibition traced Eero Aarnio's design journey from his first drawing at the age of six to his monumental creations at 92. Aarnio’s work embodies a playful, innovative spirit with deep emotional resonance. His most iconic piece, the Ball Chair, which premiered at the 1966 Cologne Furniture Fair, revolutionized modern furniture design with its futuristic and experience-orientated approach. This exhibition extended beyond furniture, showcasing the full breadth of Eero Aarnio's creativity. Watch the exhibition video here.

 

The large-scale sculptures presented at West Bund in Shanghai (2024).

Their presence in Shenzhen strengthens Aarnio’s influence across the Asian design landscape and demonstrates how his joyful, forward-looking design language continues to inspire new generations worldwide.

Through its international exhibition platform, it has forged strategic curatorial alliances with global peers such as Tate and the London Design Museum. More than a complex of 10 exhibition halls, D-Bay serves as a global gateway, bridging Chinese creativity with the global design stage.

The museum is a cultural landmark with over 50,000㎡ of exhibition space.