Sotheby’s is an international network of auction houses headquartered in New York. A plethora of the world’s most expensive artworks have found new owners at the chain’s outlets. In order to preserve the uniqueness of its brand, the auction house decided to move its Hong Kong headquarters to a new building. The unique space was designed by architects from the MVRDV studio.
The new outpost of Sotheby’s auction house in Hong Kong has opened in a luscious department store. The auction house occupied two levels. The upper section is bright and serves as a space for displaying artworks. The lower level has a completely different character. Darkness reigns here, which has been broken up by individual points of light. This arrangement is intended to allow visitors to be “alone” with the artwork.
The bright gallery area is consistent with the Sotheby’s auction house identity. The stark white has been warmed up with natural materials such as walnut and marble. Steel elements have a champagne hue and accessories are kept in Sotheby’s characteristic blue. The gallery area is free of architectural barriers. The result is a kind of walking space that can be visited while shopping in the mall.
We set ourselves the goal of creating a state-of-the-art space in Hong Kong that will be a cultural hub for visitors from all over the world. It is a place where generations of art and culture enthusiasts can be inspired by extraordinary objects,” says Nathan Drahi, managing director of Sotheby’s Asia.
“We may be used to thinking of renowned auction houses as somewhat ‘elitist’ spaces that the average person would not visit. However, we have imagined a space where the barriers between the public and priceless art collections are generated in a new way, making art accessible. The first floor will be a showcase for the space, which will change frequently,” announces Jacob van Rijs, partner and founder of MVRDV.
The plan is to showcase artworks from private collections. The inspiration for the design of the space came from gongshi – rocks that have been prized by Chinese scholars for centuries. In Chinese culture, such rocks symbolise harmony, adaptability and connection to nature.
photos: Stefan Ruiz
source: MVRDV
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