Situated in Manhattan, New York City, the Asia Society serves as a cultural and social bridge between the United States and the Asian continent. This organization promotes and celebrates the rich diversity of people from dozens of Asian countries. The NYC branch is one of the several locations of this international organization.
Asia Society Museum
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This museum is well known for the classical Asian masterpieces in the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Collection, which is considered to be one of the best collections of Asian art in the U.S. The museum’s Contemporary Art Collection features new media works including videos and animations. The permanent collection is put on view for the public occasionally. Visit the Asia Society Museum website for a schedule of current exhibitions.
Exhibits and Galleries
The temporary exhibitions at Asia Society showcase artwork and other creative items by professional, emerging, and amateur artists and artisans from all over the world. Some of the galleries typically feature traditional paintings and other productions that have defined Asian cultures for generations.
For example, visitors can expect to see decorative tapestries and silk screens that have religious and spiritual motifs. Buddha, Confucius, and many Indian deities dominate most of the themes in such exhibits. Pottery, silverware, furniture, and statues are some other artifacts that are displayed in the rotating exhibits at Asia Society.
The modern galleries at the museum usually include photographs and other printed materials that examine recent or ongoing events in Asian nations. Some of the presentations might focus on social and economic issues facing rapidly growing nations, such as China and India. Individual artists and photographers also expose some of the injustices and other problems that affect helpless victims in Asia.
Additionally, select exhibits may highlight the vital role that Asian countries have in the high-tech industry that defines the contemporary lifestyles of all western nations, particularly the United States.
Education and Entertainment
Throughout the year, the Asia Society sponsors various educational programs that introduce visitors to Asian customs, traditions, languages, and other cultural components. For example, some sessions might focus on teaching children and adults basic phrases in Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
The Coca-Cola Family Programs are full of fun activities and events that might include celebrations of holidays. Youngsters often cheer with joy when they see costumes of dragons and other mythical features from Asian folklore.
Asia Society routinely hosts various performances by entertainers from dozens of Asian countries. Spectators can enjoy music concerts, dances, theatrical performances, and other replications or variations of traditional Asian festivities.
The society also invites guest speakers to cover a wide range of topics ranging from ancient history and ethnic cuisine to regional politics and emerging science. High-profile politicians, foreign ambassadors, civil rights activists, and authors are among the many speakers at the society. These passionate individuals aim to shed some light on emerging topics relating to their home nations.
Dining and Shopping
The Garden Court Cafe at Asia Society serves light gourmet dishes in an intimate setting that has a traditional Asian decor. This modern eatery combines elements of Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisine. At the Leo Bar, patrons can sip exotic cocktails in a chic setting that’s inspired by a nightclub. The shop at this museum sells a handful of imported textiles, books, jewelry, and decorative items with conventional Asian designs.
Visiting Asia Society
The New York campus of Asia Society is situated along the elegant Park Avenue in the prestigious Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Served by the 4 and 6 lines of the New York City subway system, the 68 Street station is located just a few blocks away from the attraction. This underground transit stop provides a convenient link to all major parts of Manhattan.
You may also reach the Upper East Side by riding a bus that’s operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Another subway service is available at the 72 Street station, which is situated about halfway between Central Park and the East River. Asia Society is also located close to the famous Museum Mile that’s home to some of NYC’s most visited museums, art galleries, and other exhibit spaces.
Address: 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10021
Click here to visit Asia Society website.