NEW YORK— China Institute Gallery has announced it will temporarily close due to construction at 100 Washington Street from August 19, 2019 through September 15, 2020. China Institute will continue renovations to its expanded headquarters to accommodate large scale programs and events as well as additional space for contemporary art and performing art. During the renovations, China Institute will remain open for classes and events. The next exhibition at China Institute Gallery, Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes from the Minneapolis Institute of Art will open in fall of 2020.
While China Institute creates new classrooms, an enhanced space for the Discover China Through Art (DCTA) program, and a permanent area for audiences who attend diverse public events, the Gallery’s doors will be closed in order to minimize construction and renovation interruptions. Once complete, China Institute Gallery will be better able to spotlight unique treasures from China alongside a suite of new spaces that complement the featured exhibitions and the many courses and programs available for the public. China Institute’s 3,000 square foot gallery has held a number of noteworthy exhibitions since the space was inaugurated in 2016 including the acclaimed Dreams of the Kings: A Jade Suit for Eternity, Treasures of the Han Dynasty from Xuzhou in 2017.
The current exhibition, Art of the Mountain: Through the Chinese Photographer’s Lens, which showcases 63 photographs of mountains throughout China by 27 Chinese artists representing every region of the country, will close on August 19. To date, China Institute has welcomed nearly 15,000 visitors to Art of the Mountain, including 5,000 schoolchildren through the DCTA program. China Institute Gallery was founded in 1966 to be a center of Chinese art in New York City and was the first non-profit gallery in the United States to showcase Chinese art and culture exclusively and on a regular basis.
To mark the closing of Art of the Mountain, China Institute Gallery will host a celebratory reception on Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at China Institute. The event will feature remarks from China Institute President James B. Heimowitz, followed by a guided tour starting at 3:30 pm led by Willow Weilan Hai (Director of China Institute Gallery and Chief Curator) and Jiang Rong (Guest Curator). Complimentary refreshments and admission to Art of the Mountain, as well as discounts on exhibition catalogues will be offered.
China Institute Gallery will reopen in the fall of 2020 with the following schedule*:
*Titles subject to change
“China Institute Gallery is a gateway to Chinese history, tradition, and culture,” said Willow Weilan Hai, Gallery Director. “I was incredibly proud to work with my team and cultural partners throughout New York City to exhibit Art of the Mountain for visitors from the local community and across the globe. Chinese art is a central aspect of China Institute’s school, public programs, and events given the rich culture from which it draws inspiration. All of us here look forward to continuing our mission of putting on groundbreaking, breathtaking, and dynamic exhibitions for years to come.”
More information available online at: www.chinainstitute.org
The nation’s oldest and most highly recognized educational institution devoted solely to Chinese culture, China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business. With the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengths our global community, China Institute is the go-to resource on China—from ancient art to today’s business landscape and its rapidly shifting culture. The Institute’s programs, school, and gallery exhibitions bring to life the depth, complexity and dynamism of China. Programs, activities, courses, and seminars are offered on the visual and performing arts, culture, history, music, philosophy, language, and literature for the general public, children, and teachers, as well as for business. Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi, K.P. Wen, and John Dewey, China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China.
China Institute Gallery is renowned for its intimate, first-class thematic exhibitions, which are accompanied by in-depth scholarly catalogues. The Gallery has presented over 100 exhibitions in such areas as calligraphy, painting, ceramics, bronzes, decorative art, folk art, architecture, photography, textiles, and contemporary art covering 5,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic period to present day. New York’s only non-commercial exhibition space solely dedicated to Chinese art, China Institute Gallery has earned an international reputation and continues to provide a unique opportunity for Americans and visitors from around the world to appreciate both traditional and contemporary Chinese art and culture.
Major exhibition support for Art of the Mountain has been provided by Masahiro Hashiguchi. Art of the Mountain is also made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
100 Washington Street, New York, NY 10006
Temporary entrance: 40 Rector Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10006
Phone: 212-744-8181 Fax: 212-628-4159
All visitors must bring a photo ID when entering the building.
Saturday, August 10, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
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