T.W. Ryan Architecture

In December 2019, Christie’s commissioned TW Ryan Architecture to design a new San Francisco flagship in the historic Gallery Building at 49 Geary Street in the Union Square shopping district. Located on the same block as other singular global brands, Dolce & Gabbana, Acne, Alexander McQueen, Christie’s San Francsico new address is also home to notable galleries, Fraenkel Gallery and Haines Gallery.

The world’s largest art business serving the Bay area, Christie’s San Francisco is almost 50% gallery space and includes an entry library/reception area, a boardroom, offices, and kitchen & support spaces. For the 3,300 square foot flagship, TW Ryan Architecture created rooms to support operational needs while giving a flexible gallery design for Christie’s display of art and objects—from contemporary paintings and photographs to fine jewelry and watches.

Upon entering the fifth floor/penthouse space, the visitor is greeted by a Library and Reception area constructed from natural white oak with full-height bookshelves displaying Christie’s catalogs alongside monographs of artists and collections.

The crenelated triangular woodwork on the front of the reception desk is inspired by the Art Deco towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, while the grouping of round mirrored lights above is an homage to Marcel Breuer’s Whitney Museum in New York.

Two large skylights covered in a protective scrim flood the Main Gallery with natural light, drawing the visitors into the space. Anchored by an oversized central column, the space is flexible for various formats of work shown by Christie’s. Located just off of the main gallery, the south-facing Boardroom overlooks bustling Market Street five stories below. A white oak cabinet with acoustic fabric backing allows for state of the art video conferences with clients and colleagues across the globe.

Construction Completion: November 2020
Photographer: Joe Fletcher
Project Size: 3,300 Sq Ft