The Wang Contemporary Opens its Doors in Chinatown During Lunar New Year

Wang Ying, Alexander Wang

“Launching The Wang Contemporary feels different than launching a collection. It’s more personal – it’s about family and long-term vision,” says designer Alexander Wang Fashion On Thursday evening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the magnificent new Arts and Cultural Institute at 58 Bowery in Lower Manhattan. “Tonight felt less like a debut and more like the start of something that’s going to grow.”

The Wang Contemporary is located at the entrance to Chinatown, across from the Manhattan Bridge, in a historic Beaux-Arts building that was formerly the Citizens Savings Bank. On opening night, a long line of guests crowded around the side of the local landmark and crowded Canal Street, eagerly waiting to get in.

Thanks to Wang and his mother and co-founder Ying Wang, 58 Bowery is owned by Chinese Americans for the first time in more than a century. “My mother and I have long talked about creating something lasting in Chinatown — something rooted in culture rather than commerce,” Wang said. “It’s not just an exhibition; it’s about defining a purpose.”

Their vision for the newly restored space centers on art, music, performance and visual culture. Needless to say, preview night did not disappoint. Wearing matching black hoodies, sweatpants, and Alexander Wang baseball caps, the New York Korean American Youth Chorus electrified the audience by singing Nirvana songs. smells like Teen Spirit and Alphaville’s forever young; Both songs were personally selected by Teacher Wang.

Between performances, guests walked under scarlet light fixtures, lychee martinis in hand, past cherry blossom trees to hors d’oeuvres tables filled with dumplings, French sandwiches and mochi. Nearby, Wang warmly welcomed his friends Ice Spice (who models his spring 2024 campaign) and Ming Lee Simmons.