The Museum of Chinese in America Reveals Permanent Headquarters at 215 Centre Street in Lower Manhattan

The Museum of Chinese in America has released the first batch of renderings for its permanent new home in Lower Manhattan. Located at 215 Centre Street in Chinatown, the headquarters will expand the existing building where the museum was reportedly paying $600,000 each year in rent.

With support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and private collections, the museum will purchase the building for an estimated $50 million and complete a full renovation and expansion of the property. Total project costs are estimated at $118 million.

Led by Ralph Appelbaum Associates and architect Maya Lin, whose previous work includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the existing property will grow from 12,000 square feet to more than 68,000 square feet and top out at 11 stories.

Rendering of The Museum of Chinese in America lobby – © 2022 Maya Lin Studio with Bialosky New York

Rendering of model gallery at The Museum of Chinese in America – © 2022 Maya Lin Studio with Bialosky New York

Rendering of an event space at The Museum of Chinese in America – © 2022 Maya Lin Studio with Bialosky New York

Lin’s design is inspired by the tangram, an ancient Chinese mathematical puzzle. This translates to a metal-clad façade with shifting planes and perforated panels that allow daylight to strategically enter the exhibition spaces and larger openings to illuminate workspaces and classrooms.

Planned programming will include a center for research and genealogy, a theater, classrooms, a demonstration kitchen, ample exhibition space, a canteen, and outdoor gathering spaces.

“This is a true passion project for me,” said Maya Lin, founder of Maya Lin Studio. “As a child of Chinese immigrants, I’ve been drawn to MOCA and its critical mission for years, and am incredibly moved to be able to present our design for its new headquarters—a place that will welcome, teach, and inspire visitors from around the world.”

The museum will close toward the end of 2023 for construction. The new building is expected to debut in 2025.

Evening rendering of The Museum of Chinese in America – © 2022 Maya Lin Studio with Bialosky New York

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