Pace Gallery has announced plans to close its Hong Kong location at H Queen’s, an upscale building in the city’s central business district, by the end of the month. Evelyn Lin, Pace’s president of Greater China since October 2024, will return to Sotheby’s as chairman of modern and contemporary art, Asia. 

Pace was among the first major international galleries to establish a foothold in Asia, opening in Beijing’s 798 Art District in 2008 and entering the Hong Kong scene in 2014. Initially located in Pedder Building, the gallery moved to H Queen’s in 2018, which was celebrated at the time as Hong Kong’s newest hub for blue-chip dealers. 

Since then, many galleries have exited the building, relocating elsewhere within the city. Notable departures include Hauser & Wirth, which moved to a nearby space in 2023, as well as Pearl Lam, Ora-Ora, and White Stone. 

While its physical gallery will cease operations after its current show for Alejandro Piñeiro Bello ends, Pace will continue to maintain offices in Hong Kong and Beijing. A spokesperson from Pace expressed that the gallery is open to leasing new premises in Hong Kong if suitable opportunities arise.

Following a one-year tenure at Pace, Evelyn Lin will return to Sotheby’s as chairman of modern and contemporary art, Asia, assuming the role previously held by Elaine Holt, who left the house in July. A 26-year auction veteran, Lin first joined Sotheby’s in 1998 and led its contemporary Asian art department from 2004 to 2017. She later became deputy chairman at Christie’s in 2018 before moving to Pace in October 2024.

Lin will start her new role on November 3. She told Artnet: “My recent experience in the primary market has given me fresh insights into how artists and collectors engage with art today. I’m excited to bring new perspectives to the auction works and help shape what’s next for the market in Asia.”

Yuqian Fan is an editorial intern at AAP.