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HOUSTON, July 5, 2023 — Asia Society Texas (AST) enthusiastically announces the grand opening of Explore Asia — an immersive exhibition highlighting five Asian countries across six unique experiences — on July 21–23. The new $4.6 million permanent exhibition — the only interactive learning exhibition in Texas focused specifically on Asia — focuses on Asian art and culture and transforms the experience of visiting AST’s Yoshio Taniguchi-designed Center. The grand opening weekend will include FREE access to the new exhibition, made possible by generous funding from the Ling and George Yang family, along with lion dances and a variety of family-friendly activities. Asia Society Texas members receive early access through a Member Preview slated for July 12–20.  

Through an immersive journey to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, guests of all ages can magically travel across time and space on a virtual bullet train, learn about delicious meals and treats (and where to find them in Houston), take our stage by participating in a drumming experience, and more! “It’s thrilling to finally share this joyful experience with our community,” says Bonna Kol, AST President. “We hope guests from all backgrounds will have fun exploring the exhibition and find connectivity to our shared lives and experiences. Houston is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the U.S. and we are honored to uplift the cultural significance and people who have helped shaped our city.”

Gordon Quan, chair of the exhibition’s Advisory Council, shares, “As an Asian American who grew up in Texas, providing opportunities to foster curiosity and build human connectivity by elevating AAPI perspectives is deeply meaningful to me. I know how impactful it is for a child to see their own story and identity reflected — reinforcing the idea that everyone’s life experience and cultural history are valued and important.”

Informed by several years of research and in consultation with an extensive group of scholars and community partners, Explore Asia is designed to spark curiosity and highlight the interconnectedness between the peoples of Asia, Houston, and the United States, building on AST’s belief in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society. According to Jennifer Kapral, AST Director of Education and Outreach, “inspiring empathy and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world is our passion, and the Explore Asia exhibition provides an accessible and entertaining celebration of the diverse perspectives and vibrant cultures of Asia.”

Grand Opening Weekend Fast Facts

• Dates: Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23, 2023
• Admission: Free general admission; timed tickets for Performances Across Asia Drumming Experience are $6
• Learn more »

Foundational gifts for Asia Society Texas’ Educational Project come from E. Rudge and Nancy Allen Family, Anne and Albert Chao, The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, and Durga D. and Sushila Agrawal Family. Major support provided by Chinhui Juhn and Edward R. Allen III, American First National Bank, The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Cullen Foundation, The Elkins Foundation, The Freeman Foundation, The Fondren Foundation, H-E-B, Hugesen Polymers Inc., Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation, The Wu and Tsai Family, and Dr. Asha and Farid Virani.

Special thanks to our scholars circle and community partners:

Scholars Circle

Chu Hyun Hannah Chung, Adjunct Professor, Houston Community College
Dr. Melody Yunzi Li, Assistant Professor of Chinese, UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Dr. Sarasij Majumder, Sita and Bhaskara Rao Mutyala Endowed Professor of India Studies, Director of India Studies, Associate Professor, UH College of Liberal Arts and Science
Dr. Duy Lap Nguyen, Associate Professor of World Cultures and Literatures, UH College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dr. Naoko Ozaki, Lecturer in Japanese, Rice University Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication

Community Partners

Chinese Community Center
Chowdown in Chinatown
Discover U
Houston Korean Education Center
Huaxing Performing Arts Group
The Puranik Foundation
Silambam Houston 
Vietnamese Culture and Science Association
University of St. Thomas Rising Star Program

Museum Partners

Health Science Museum
Holocaust Museum Houston
Museum of Fine Arts Houston

School Partners

The Awty International School
Houston Independent School District
Post Oak Montessori
Spring Branch Independent School District

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.