Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

From humble beginnings to a world-renowned institution. That’s the story of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. It all started with a generous donation to the city by Avery Brundage, a Chicago millionaire and avid collector of Asian art. The Asian Art Museum first opened its doors in 1966. It was originally a wing of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in Golden Gate Park. Brundage continued to enrich the museum’s collection. His final contribution was the bequest of his entire remaining personal collection upon his death in 1975. Over time, the museum’s collection outgrew its shared space in Golden Gate Park. The Asian Art Museum needed a new home to properly showcase its ever-expanding collection. In 2003, the Asian Art Museum found that home in the former San Francisco city library building. This Beaux-Arts masterpiece, designed by George Kelham in 1917, underwent a stunning transformation. Italian architect Gae Aulenti led the renovation. The result was a 185,000-square-foot museum. This space increased the museum’s exhibition space by a significant 75% compared to its previous location. Today, the Asian Art Museum houses over 18,000 works of art. Some pieces date back an astounding 6,000 years. The museum’s collection spans the diverse cultures of Asia. You’ll find galleries dedicated to South Asia, Iran and Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, China, Korea, and Japan. Within the Asian Art Museum’s walls, you can marvel at a 3,000-year-old bronze vessel shaped like a rhinoceros. You can stand in awe of the oldest known Chinese Buddha statue. The museum’s diverse collection ensures there is something to captivate every visitor. The Asian Art Museum is more than just a museum. It’s a vibrant cultural center. It hosts special and traveling exhibitions. It offers a rich tapestry of educational programs and events. The Asian Art Museum has become a beloved institution in San Francisco, bridging cultures and fostering understanding through the power of art.