Famed auction house Christie’s has introduced a new Chinese headquarters inside Shanghai’s historic Ampire Building. Home to offices, event spaces, a library, and exhibition hall, the new headquarters was crafted by Milanese architecture firm Vudafieri – Saverino Partners in collaboration with locally based design studio DDM—Debelle de Montby.
The new headquarters bridges two different eras as it pays homage to the traditions of the ancient auction house while also embracing a modern, multifunctional aesthetic. Spread across more than 10,760 square feet and two floors, Christie’s first floor is home to the library and offices, while the upper level includes the exhibition and auction spaces.
Contemporary lighting has been installed to contrast the stucco-enriched white walls, wooden floors, and bespoke furniture that evoke a Chinese tradition. A red staircase serves as a key focal point as it references the company’s logo, while an internal stairwell seamlessly links the first and second levels.