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China Institute, the nation's oldest and most recognized non-profit organization dedicated to deepening understanding of China through appreciation of culture, art, language and business, has moved from the Upper East Side to an expanded facility in Lower Manhattan. The new headquarters, located at 100 Washington Street, is being completed in phases. The initial phase, which opens to the public today, includes expanded classroom space, a 2,000-square foot art gallery, and a new library and seminar room. A second phase, to be completed in spring 2016, will include a 120-seat auditorium, a 3,000-square-foot multi-function room for performances, exhibits and films, a tea house and a bookstore. The new 40,000-square-foot space will be four times the size of the Institute's former facility. A third and final phase will replace the existing street storefront with a dramatic two-story entrance façade and glass elevator along Washington Street.
The Institute has moved to meet the community's growing needs for its services and programs, but maintains a presence on the Upper East Side with a new satellite location at 151 East 65th Street, one block from the former facility. The Institute's current offerings will continue and expand in the new space, including more extensive business programming to equip today's global citizens to respond to a changing world. The fall season of language and art classes for children and adults begins in September, along with a series of films, lectures and workshops. The Institute's preeminent art gallery will celebrate its grand opening exhibition in fall 2016. "We hope our new home, now the largest space devoted to Chinese culture in Manhattan, will increase our opportunity to collaborate with other cultural institutions in the city and make the Institute an even more dynamic 'gateway to China' for a new generation of global citizens," said James Heimowitz, president of China Institute. "With the rising importance of China, and its relationship with the U.S. and the rest of the globe, our mission is more relevant, and necessary, than ever before."
The new facilities were designed by Pei Partnership Architects. "In designing the new modern headquarters, we set out to infuse the spirit of Chinese design and create a more immersive cultural experience for members and visitors," said Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, chairman of China Institute's board of trustees and Partner at Pei Partnership Architects. China Institute's new facilities will be LEED Silver certified by the U.S Green Building Council and will be equipped with state-of-the-art LED lighting throughout and feature the latest high-definition video technology for the exhibition spaces as well as smartboard capabilities in the classrooms. Click Here to learn more about China Institute, its new location and program offerings: www.chinainstitute.org
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