A memorial and art gallery for prominent master painter Wu Changshuo (1844-1927) opened its doors to the public on Friday inBeizhan SubdistrictofJing’an District.

Wu, a prominent painter, calligrapher and seal artist, is considered a leading figure in traditional Chinese painting, especially good at flowers and birds.

Wu, born in Zhejiang Province, paid his first visit to Shanghai in 1887 and decided to settle here in 1913.

He lived with his family inJiqingli, a shikumen(stone-gate) neighborhood on Shanxi Road N. of Beizhan, until his death. There, he earned fame and completed his last orchid painting.

The newly opened site, on the fourth floor of 383 Tianmu Road M., is the fifth memorial to Wu in the country.

Covering more than 1,000 square meters, it displays his achievements during his stay in Shanghai and his connections with other renowned artists, especially those who often visited him in Jiqingli. Big names include painting master Qi Baishi and Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang.

On Friday, an exhibition featuring nearly 100 works of Wu and his offspring, including more than 10 of his seals, was opened to the public. It will last for one month and admission is free.

The subdistrict plans to expand it into a cultural platform, offering exhibitions, art lectures and painting classes to residents.