Christie’s has opened its new Asia headquarters at The Henderson in Central, Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone for the prestigious auction house. The grand unveiling on September 20, 2024, comes three years after Christie’s announced its plans to occupy four floors in the iconic glass-walled building. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to host year-round sales and exhibitions, moving away from the previous model of seasonal auctions held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The new headquarters boasts expansive, pillar-free spaces with high ceilings and advanced amenities. The lower two floors feature vast exhibition halls equipped with electronically adjustable walls, customizable lighting, and windows that completely block ultraviolet light, ensuring optimal conditions for displaying art. The minimalist design by architect Betty Ng of Collective Studio enhances the focus on the artworks, creating a sophisticated yet unobtrusive environment. A set of large panels can even be used to block the view of Victoria Harbour to avoid distractions when necessary.
The new location offers a more welcoming and accessible experience compared to Christie’s previous Hong Kong office in Alexandra House. Visitors can now enter directly through the main entrance on the 6th floor, which connects to a restaurant level via a staircase and escalators leading to the lobby. For valued clients, the 8th floor features a dedicated “clients’ hub” with private viewing rooms, while a staircase adorned with vitrines showcases curated artworks.
A highlight of the new headquarters is the direct lift access to The Henderson’s all-glass rooftop ballroom, a spectacular venue that Christie’s plans to use for exhibitions and special events. Additionally, the space houses a collection of 1,200 rare art books donated by renowned dealer Giuseppe Eskenazi, available for clients to browse.
The inaugural sales at The Henderson begin on September 26, featuring an auction from the esteemed estate of Au Bak-ling, a revered ceramics collector. The auction includes just 19 lots, but it is expected to draw significant attention from connoisseurs. In addition to these Asian art offerings, Christie’s is testing the market for Western art with high-profile pieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s Les Canots Amarrés (1887), valued at up to HK$380 million (US$48.7 million), and Claude Monet’s Nymphéas (1897-99), estimated at HK$200 million to HK$280 million.
To ensure a successful start, Christie’s has secured third-party guarantees for several key lots in the evening sale, including works by René Magritte and Thai artist Tang Chang. The opening ceremony was marked by a traditional dragon dance and roast pig-cutting ceremony, symbolizing good fortune for the new venture.
Christie’s expansion comes at a time when Hong Kong’s art market is undergoing transformation. Rivals like Sotheby’s have also ramped up their presence, with new spaces and a dual approach to attract both new clients and high-end collectors. With significant investments made and the global art market facing uncertainties, the performance of Hong Kong’s auction houses will be closely watched in the coming months.
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