Beijing art gallery by Penda features topsy-turvy archways
A sequence of arches creates topsy-turvy openings and curvy doorways through the spaces of this art gallery in Beijing by design collective Penda (+ slideshow).
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_9.jpg)
Vienna and Beijing firm Penda refurbished the Hongkun Art Gallery and Art Arcadion on the outskirts of the city, providing a new reception area where curved openings of different sizes guide visitors through to the existing exhibition rooms.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_7.jpg)
The curves begin at the building's entrance and continue around the space to create arches of different sizes and alternating orientations.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_50sq.jpg)
"As a visual effect, we chose the arch as an inviting and welcoming gesture," architect Chris Precht told Dezeen. "In combination with the counter-arch, it has the appearance of a continuous ribbon."
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_4.jpg)
The designers based the forms on the mountains and valleys depicted in typical Chinese landscape paintings, tying in with the artworks that comprise the gallery's main exhibition.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_6.jpg)
"Multiple arches altering in size and orientation create a continuous, gentle curve, which becomes a sculptural interpretation of the landscape paintings that are exhibited in the gallery," said Precht.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_8.jpg)
A new monolithic facade forms the building's entrance. Inside, the arched openings frame an information desk, cloakroom and a staircase shielded behind translucent glass.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_2.jpg)
Ground floor galleries are located just beyond and focus on well-known Chinese artists, while the floor above caters for themed temporary exhibitions. A special exhibition hall is located in the basement and the mezzanine level is reserved for gallery employees.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_13.jpg)
Most spaces in the building have clean white walls, designed to allow visitors to focus on the artworks.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_12.jpg)
Photography is by Xia Zhi.
Here's a project description from penda:
Hongkun Art Gallery / Art Arcadion
Located on the southern 3rd ring road in Beijing, the white exterior of the Hongkun Art Gallery works a sculptural focal point for the area.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_3.jpg)
Entering the gallery through an opening in the monolithic facade, the arch-like curves continue to the interior and gently merge into a clean white space for exhibiting the artworks.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_5.jpg)
The open areas in the gallery offer a wide space for themed exhibition, while the gently curved entrance part draws people into the space and guides them naturally further into the gallery.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_11.jpg)
The solid expression of the exterior continually merges with a carved out interior and increases the sculptural appearance of the gallery. Multiple arches altering in size and orientation create a continuous, gentle curve which becomes a sculptural interpretation of the landscape paintings, that are exhibited in the gallery.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_10.jpg)
Within the arches, the entrance sculpture inhabits an information desk, a coatroom and the main circulation staircase, which guides visitors to the basement with a special exhibition hall and employees to the office area located on the mezzanine level.
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_16.jpg)
Project: HK Art Gallery
Architects: penda
Project location: Beijing, China
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_27.jpg)
Project area: 2000sqm on 2 floors
Project started: End of October 2013
Gallery opened: beginning of December 2013
![Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/01/Hongkung-Museum-of-Fine-Art-Gallery-curved-interior-archways-by-penda_dezeen_26.jpg)