Asia Society and Museum

The Asia Society and Museum began in nineteen fifty-six, founded by John D. Rockefeller the third to foster deeper ties between the United States and the nations of Asia. He viewed the study of Asian art and culture as a vital bridge for international relations during a time of significant global change. His own fascination with the region was sparked by his participation in diplomatic missions to Japan in the early nineteen fifties, which eventually led him to assemble a private collection of masterworks. That original, meticulously curated collection serves as the foundation for the museum you see today, emphasizing everything from ancient bronzes and ceramics to intricate sculptures from across the continent.