Q: Where will the new China Institute be located and how can I get there?
• The new headquarters is situated in the heart of Lower Manhattan at 100 Washington Street, between Rector and Carlisle Streets. While the ground floor construction is underway, the temporary entrance of the building is 40 Rector Street, between West and Washington Streets.
• The location is conveniently located and accessible by subway (N, R, 1, 4, 5), bus, PATH, ferry, taxi or car. Several parking garages are located in the area.
Q: Why is the Institute moving? Why downtown?
• As the premier educational and information resource for the public on China, the Institute has seen demand grow for its programs, including Chinese language and art classes, cultural programming, lectures, business programs and other events. The Institute’s space also needed to grow and adapt to meet these needs and better serve its existing community, and engage new audiences in the increasingly important dialogue on China.
• This expansion will enable the Institute to be an even more dynamic “gateway to China” and a cultural destination downtown, offering educational and business programs that respond to a changing world and present the full diversity of China’s past, present and future to a new generation of global citizens.
• The Lower Manhattan neighborhood is convenient to many parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey, allowing China Institute to serve a wider audience with its expanded programs.
Q: What new resources or programs will the new location feature?
• The new location will allow for expanded business and cultural programs including performances, exhibits, films, lectures, networking events, and more.
• New resources will be available in phases. The first phase, which opens to the public on August 17, includes five new classrooms, a 2,000-square-foot art gallery, and a new library and seminar room.
• The second phase, timed for 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.
Q: Who designed the new facility? Can you tell me about the design and features?
• The new facility was designed by Pei Partnership Architects, a full-service, international practice headquartered in New York. The design of the modern space is infused with the spirit of Chinese design to create a more immersive experience for China Institute members and visitors. The facility is 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.
Q: What is happening to the old building on East 65th St.?
• China Institute has sold its previous location at 125 East 65th Street to an independent party.
• One block from the old building, at 151 East 65th Street, a new satellite location hosting Chinese language classes will open this September to serve new and existing students for whom the Upper East Side is most accessible.
Q: When will the move occur?
• China Institute’s operations transferred to the new headquarters on August 17 and the new space is now open to visitors, members and students. All of the Institute’s regular classes and programs will commence at the new space in September 2015. Chinese language classes will also be offered on the Upper East Side satellite location at 151 East 65th Street starting in September.
• Additional construction will occur on the ground floor space, starting in early 2016, with completion of that phase of construction in June 2016.
Q: Will you be expanding your educational program?
• The new space will enhance the educational experience with new classroom and multi-purpose spaces, and expanded course and program offerings. With the best teachers and resources, China Institute’s programs are designed to inspire students’ interest and guide them to develop strong cultural understanding and knowledge.
Q: Will I be able to continue taking classes on the Upper East Side?
• China Institute is committed to providing a seamless experience for its students. Courses and instructors will maintain their excellence and rigor at both the downtown and Upper East Side locations, with no major disruptions to the program schedule.
• Current Chinese language students at the Upper East Side location have the option to take classes either downtown at 100 Washington Street, or at 151 East 65th Street.
Q: Will the Institute still continue to offer fine Chinese art exhibitions like the ones you have had in the past? What are these upcoming exhibitions and when will they open?
• Yes, the new 2,000-square-foot gallery will be located within the downtown facility.
• The Grand Opening of the gallery will take place in fall 2016 with the exhibition “Art in a Time of Chaos: Treasures From Six Dynasties China, 3rd-6th Century”
Q: Can I just drop by or do I need to make an appointment to visit the Institute or gallery? What are the hours of operation and contact information?
• There is no need to make an appointment to visit the Institute or gallery (when exhibitions are in progress). The new headquarters opened August 17, with classes and public programs starting in September. Visit our Public Programs section of the website for details:
o Classes: http://www.chinainstitute.org/education/
o Public programs: http://www.chinainstitute.org/art-culture/programs-events/
• Hours of operation for the Institute are: Monday – Friday 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Classes and programs may take place outside these hours.
• Hours of operation for the Gallery (during exhibitions) are: Monday – Sunday 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., with the Gallery open until 8:00 P.M. on Thursdays.
• Contact China Institute by phone or fax at 212-744-8181 and 212-628-4159, respectively.
Q: Does the new location continue to offer accessibility?
• China Institute welcomes all visitors and recognizes the diversity of our visitors’ abilities and needs, offering a variety of programs and services to ensure the accessibility of its programs and exhibitions.
Q: What membership benefits will be offered?
• Members will continue to receive all benefits—including some new and expanded offerings—following the Institute’s move downtown. Please visit China Institute’s Membership page to learn more.
Q: With all this expansion and growth, do you have any employment or volunteer opportunities?
• China Institute offers employees the opportunity to enrich their passions and develop professionally, while leveraging their specific skills and expertise. Please visit China Institute’s Careers page for a listing of all available job and volunteer opportunities.
