Wing Luke Asian Museum

Built on the dreams of immigrants, the Wing Luke Asian Museum stands as a vibrant tapestry of stories. Here, in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, the spirit of Wing Chong Luke lives on. The Wing Luke Asian Museum isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the struggles and triumphs of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Established in 1967, the Wing Luke Asian Museum began as a tribute to a remarkable man. Wing Luke, the son of a laundryman and grocer, immigrated to the United States at the age of six. He later became the first person of color elected to the Seattle City Council in 1962. Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1965 at the young age of 40. But his vision for a museum celebrating Asian Pacific American experiences didn’t die with him. The Wing Luke Asian Museum occupies the historic East Kong Yick Building. This building, constructed in 1910, has a rich history of its own. Funded by 170 Chinese immigrants, it originally housed storefronts, the Freeman Hotel, and family association rooms. The museum’s location in the Chinatown-International District adds another layer of significance. This vibrant neighborhood has been a hub for Asian American communities for generations. Inside the Wing Luke Asian Museum, you’ll find more than just exhibits. You’ll find preserved historical spaces, accessible through guided tours. You can explore the remnants of the Freeman Hotel, a former residence for immigrants. You can even step inside a replica of the Yick Fung Mercantile, a historic general store, thanks to a generous donation from its owner, Jimmy Mar. The Wing Luke Asian Museum is not just a repository of artifacts. It’s a dynamic center for community engagement. Through its exhibits and programs, the museum aims to empower AANHPI communities, foster artistic expression, and revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. It’s the nation’s only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum, and a Smithsonian affiliate. As you explore the Wing Luke Asian Museum, remember the words of its namesake: “Don’t do things because of who is right, but because of what is right.” These words resonate throughout the museum’s mission. They remind us that the stories within these walls are not just about the past. They’re about building a more equitable and just future for all.