Christie’s is consolidating its ties with China by opening a grand new home at the Ampire Building, located on Shanghai’s historical waterfront area, The Bund. The 1,000 sq meter, multi-purpose space will house lectures, private sales, events and exhibitions, including the cross-category show The Art of the Horse, slated to open on October 21.

The inauguration coincides with the launch of a new category of Chinese contemporary design, which will be featured at the Shanghai autumn auction on October 24.

The new building is indicative of how seriously Christie’s is taking its Asian operations. In 1994, it was the first international auctioneer to open an office in mainland China and held its first auction in Shanghai in 2013, which was deemed a great success by the company.

Talking to artnet News last March in the interview Christie’s China President Jinqing Caroline Cai on the Country’s Maturing Market, Jinqing Caroline Cai said:

“We believe that Chinese art collectors and the Chinese art market will continue to grow. From a macro perspective, China’s economic power is strengthening every year, as is China’s wealthy class. In terms of government policy, we also see increasing support from current leaders in the Chinese government. For example, during 2011 and 2012, more than 300 museums were built in China. In addition, the increased cultural exchange—whether by bringing international art collections to China or vice versa—has been very well-received. Christie’s is taking a leadership role in guiding the market.”

Christie’s has also taken proactive attitude towards education. Last year, the auctioneer announced a partnership with the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) to launch a one year-educational program called Global Art Market: Collecting and Investment.