At 725 Park Avenue, the Asia Society and Museum brings Asian art and culture into a compact set of galleries. Exhibitions pair historic objects with contemporary work, and past displays have included Buddhist and Hindu art, ceramics, textiles and sculptures by Rina Banerjee. Check the current exhibition before you go, since the displays change. You can also browse the gift shop, stop at the cafe or see whether a film or performance is scheduled. Allow about one to two hours for the galleries.
An institution focused on Asia
John D. Rockefeller III founded the Asia Society in 1956 as a nonprofit educational institution. The museum followed in 1978, with a focus on Asian art and culture. The wider organization also runs public programs, conferences and study missions, connecting its work in the arts with business, education, culture and policy.
The New York headquarters presents exhibitions drawn from public and private collections. Its historic holdings include the Rockefeller Collection of Asian Art, with works connected to countries including China, Japan, India, Korea, Tibet, Nepal, Cambodia and Indonesia. The displays can span ancient and contemporary art, so the galleries on a given visit depend on the current program.
How the galleries are arranged
Exhibitions occupy several floors, with the largest galleries typically on the second floor and further display space above. The museum has used this layout for exhibitions divided between floors, allowing a single theme to unfold across more than one gallery. Interactive displays and short films have also been part of the museum experience.
Past exhibitions have brought Buddhist and Hindu art into view, including sculptures and objects associated with South and East Asia. Other displays have included ceramics, textiles and works from places such as China, Tibet, Mongolia, Pakistan and India. Since exhibitions change, look up what is on before setting aside time for a particular artist, object or subject.
Contemporary work and visitor facilities
In Re(Generations), historic Asian objects were paired with contemporary art to explore how older forms and symbols continue to influence artists. Rina Banerjee’s sculptural work combined found materials such as shells, feathers, silk and bottles. The exhibition also included work by Howardena Pindell and Byron Kim. These displays give the museum a way to place contemporary artists in conversation with its historic collection.
The building also has a theater for films, events and performances. A cafe serves Asian-inspired food, and the ground-floor shop stocks items including books, fabrics and instruments. These facilities can add time to a visit, particularly if you want to see a film or browse the shop. The museum is wheelchair accessible at its entrance and restrooms, and advance tickets are recommended.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission free at the Asia Society and Museum?
The available visitor information says admission is free on Fridays. It lists regular adult admission as $15; check the museum’s website for current admission details.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Plan for about one to two hours to see the galleries. Add time if you want to watch films or browse the shop.
Do the exhibitions stay the same?
No. The museum presents changing exhibitions, so check its website before your visit to see what is currently on.
Does the museum have a cafe and a theater?
Yes. There is a cafe with Asian-inspired food and a theater used for films, events and performances.
