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PEI Architects is turning China Institute into a new urban cultural hub

A rendering of the new home of the China Institute.

The China Institute — which calls itself the nation’s oldest educational institution devoted solely to Chinese culture — is moving to Lower Manhattan from the Upper East Side.

The institute’s new home will be at 100 Washington Street, in a space designed by PEI Architects. The $36-million project will give it 50,000 square feet — five times its current size – including a 3,000-square-foot gallery, library, classrooms and offices.

The new location will open in Spring 2016 with “Art of the Mountain: Through the Chinese Photographer’s Lens,” which explores the Chinese veneration of mountains.

Founded in 1926 by a group of American and Chinese educators, the China Institute aims to advance a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business and art. The institute’s gallery was established in 1966.

This project is going under construction now.