China Institute is the oldest (dates back to 1926) bicultural organization in America focusing on China. Its mission is to promote understanding between Americans and Chinese through educational and cultural programs.
China Institute offers a very wide variety of programs, activities, lectures, presentations, and exhibits throughout the year. A small sampling of typical activities includes:
Films by Chinese American directors -- not what your average TV-watching American might expect!
Eye-opening lectures and slide shows on aspects of Chinese culture and religion
An exhibition and auction of Chinese Peasant Paintings -- beautiful, beautiful works of art!
Courses on Chinese Calligraphy and Painting (for individual students)
A Course on Basic Chinese Cooking.
There are many other interesting exhibits and things to do and learn. Chinese New Year Programs and Gallery Tours, for instance, take place October through May, emphasizing the rituals and customs associated with the most important and festive holiday of the year.
Gallery Exhibitions throughout the year offer rare glimpses into Chinese art and culture, with works of art ranging from Chinese bronzes to photographs of ethnic minorities from China's western frontiers.
Take a field trip here and about the people of China and their lives. Exhibition-related programs for school groups include a tour of the Institute's exhibitions. There are even In-School Courses which are offered to teach students to speak, read, and write simple Chinese. This is a rich cultural resource in NYC which is well worth a visit.
Open Monday-Saturday; closed Sundays. Call ahead for hours or special exhibitions, private reservations or group tours.
www.chinainstitute.org
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