The 798 zone plays a key role in the global impact of Chinese contemporary art. [Photo by Zou Hong/China Daily]

His center is now presenting what is touted as "the most significant exhibition of work by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ever to take place in China", including 103 works drawn from the collection of the Musee national Picasso-Paris, tracing the development of the Spanish master from his childhood to middle age. The exhibition, which runs till September, is expected to draw huge interest from an increasingly savvy Chinese audience.

"We believe that the story of Picasso is relevant to our audience in China, as individuals here continue to answer the challenges of creativity, originality, and innovation," according to Tinari.