Alexander Wang Debuts New Cultural Space Centering Asian Creativity

"Last year, a century after it landed in the neighborhood, the Beaux Arts structure was acquired by designer Alexander Wang and his mother Ying Wang for a reported $9.5 million -the first time in the building's history that it's been under Chinese American ownership. The Wangs' vision for the space? To transform it into a cultural destination showcasing the breadth of Asian creative expression."

""For 100 years, it's always been owned by banking institutions," they said, "so we are also incredibly proud that it's now owned by Asian Americans that want to utilize the space to help bring people together in a neighborhood that has so much to offer. The Wang Contemporary launches this month in the restored building with the promise of exhibitions, performances, and festivals featuring established and emerging Asian and Asian American creatives."

"The founders also hope the space might serve as a gathering spot for the local community, with cultural programming that will resonate with an international audience. Some events will be free to attend, as part of the venue's arts affordability agenda. "This moment feels right because there's a real urgency to invest and support Asian and Asian American culture more broadly," the Wangs added. "We are so proud to witness this inflection point where there is a shift in the eastern POV becoming globally celebrated.""

58 Bowery, a Beaux-Arts bronze-domed landmark at the gateway to Chinatown, features stone lions and sculptures by Charles Keck and formerly housed Citizens Savings Bank. Last year Alexander Wang and his mother Ying Wang acquired the building for a reported $9.5 million, marking the first Chinese American ownership in the building's history. The Wangs are restoring the space as the Wang Contemporary, a cultural destination for Asian and Asian American creatives offering exhibitions, performances, festivals, and some free events under an arts affordability agenda. The venue aims to serve local community needs while attracting an international audience and to advance broader investment in Asian creative culture.

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