The Museum of Asian Art in Seattle (SAAM) holds collections of Chinese art. Japan, Korea, India, the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, the building has been on the US National Register of Historic Places. The cultural institution is officially part of the Seattle Art Museum.
History of creation
In 1993, the staff of the Art Museum announced plans to create an institution where visitors could get acquainted with the art of Asia. The new facility opened its doors on August 13, 1994, with 6,000 people attending the ceremony. This demonstrated the public's interest in the attraction.
The Seattle Museum of Asian Art (SAAM) is housed in a historic Art Deco building built in 1933. From that time to 1991, the Seattle Art Museum operated here. In 2017-2020, reconstruction took place along with the expansion of the space, so the facility was temporarily closed. The project was implemented with public and private donations. During the work, which took 3 years, it was possible not only to provide more space, but also to restore the old elements and update the working systems.
Short description
The Seattle Museum of Asian Art (SAAM) usually welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is recommended to check the schedule before the visit, as the time may change. Admission is free for everyone on the first Thursday and the first Saturday of the month. The exhibits here include sculptures, paintings, textiles, pottery from China, Japan, South Korea, India and other countries. You can see the works of sculptor Do Ho Soo and ceramic artist Yun Kwang Cho, representing South Korea.
The artworks at the Seattle Museum of Asian Art (SAAM) are divided by themes: nature, spirituality, holidays, fine art, literature, costumes. The permanent exhibition occupies 13 galleries. At the same time, the institution's collection continues to grow. One large gallery is reserved for special exhibitions, they change every six months.
In addition to exhibitions, the Seattle Museum of Asian Art (SAAM) conducts educational programs and organizes events, including lectures and workshops. There is also a store at the institution that sells goods from Asia, books about the culture of Asian countries, and their folk customs.
How to get
The Seattle Museum of Asian Art (SAAM) is open in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Buses No. 10, 49 and 60 pass nearby. The nearest public transport station is Capitol Hill. There is parking in the park next to the museum, but there may not be free places on weekends and holidays. You can also take a taxi from anywhere in the city.
Gallery
