NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

At the heart of the Asia Society's permanent collection is a superb group of masterworks donated by John D. Rockefeller III, who founded the society in 1956. Unlike organizations that limit their activities to a particular country or region, the society looks at all of Asia, excluding no country.

The holdings, reflecting this pan-Asian approach, include Indian sculptures and miniatures, Japanese Buddhist paintings, Korean ceramics, Indonesian textiles, Cambodian and Thai sculptures, remarkable bronzes and celadons, sumptuous silks and carpets, and rare photographs. Exhibits have included Inside Out: New Chinese Art; Fire Over Earth, a presentation of Southeast Asian ceramics; and Great Cities, Small Treasures: The Ancient World of the Indus Valley. Complementary gallery offerings are lectures by leading scholars and collectors in the field, musical and theatrical events ranging from Kathakali (dance-drama of southern India) to Aak (Korean court music and dance), and the screening of films from many Asian countries.

There are also public programs addressing political, cultural and economic issues. Since 1981 the society has been housed in a handsome structure designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes. Its facade, made of red sandstone from Rajasthan, India and polished red granite from Oklahoma, symbolizes the benefits of harmonious cooperation between Asians and Americans.

In 2001, the Asia Society commissioned New York architect Bartholomew Voorsanger to renovate and enhance its public spaces. Expanded gallery spaces enable the society to display pieces from the permanent collection on an ongoing basis, while at the same time offering exhibitions that explore ancient aesthetic traditions as well as contemporary expressions.

Programs for Seniors
Senior citizens who are members of the Asia Society and Museum are invited to an annual Senior Tea event.

• Directions: Subway: 6 to 68th Street - Hunter College

• Audio Guides: Using a personal cell phone, call the audio tour number for a self-guided tour through the exhibitions.
• Box Office
• Coat Check: The coat check is in the basement level.
• Disability Access: Fully accessible
• Disability Assistance:

  Hearing: A limited number of assistive listening devices, headsets and neckloops are available for most programs.
  Vision: Large-print audio tour scripts are available at the reception desk. Large-print version of exhibition labels are in binders outside the galleries.

• Gift Shops: More than 15,000 English-language books on Asia; also crafts, jewelry and unusual gift items from Asia. Call (212) 327-9217.
• On-Site Food: The Garden Court Cafe is open to the public.
• On-Site Parking: On streets or in commercial lots nearby.
• Space Rental: Call (212) 327-9322.
• Tours: Daily exhibit tours: Tues-Sun at 2 pm (Fri also at 6:30 pm, except July 4 - Labor Day). Groups of 20 or more adults enjoy discounted admission and tour planning assistance. To make a reservation, please call 212-327-9237.

Get involved with Asia Society and Museum

• Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Jackie Meyer: (212) 327-9316
• Memberships: Contact membership: (212) 327-9338