The Asian art galleries on the Museum's Upper Level–Hammett, Wood, Eichheim, and Story galleries–are given a fresh, new face after months of renovation. Beginning in May, the galleries for the arts of China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas are open sectionally in anticipation of a complete reopening in September. This renovation project has been part of the Museum's continued effort to enrich visitor's viewing experience and at the same time to improve environmental conditions for the care and presentation of the collection. The works of Asian art are installed in newly configured spaces with improved cases and lighting as well as a broader, richer interpretive program including maps and diagrams to supplement didactic texts. Newly acquired gifts and purchases, some never before exhibited, are integrated into the long-term display.

The renovated galleries are a tribute to the rich and diverse arts of Asia with over 300 objects in a variety of media on view. The objects present a survey of nearly 5,000 years of Asia art history, ranging in time from 2,500 BCE to the 20th century. The refreshed galleries, of approximately 4,450 square feet, are designed to spatially define the vastly different Asian cultures and their diverse aesthetics. The new installation also reveals important intercultural relationships represented in Asian art such as religion and trades. Some works are featured in traditional chronological and geographical presentations, while other works are grouped by material, subject, or theme.

The renovation has been made possible by the generous donation of the Wallis Foundation, Michael and Natalia Howe, the Santa Barbara Foundation, and the Chalifoux Fund. Research of the permanent collection is assisted by additional support from the Atkins Internship for Asian Art under the guidance of Susan Tai, Elizabeth Atkins Curator of Asian Art.

SBMA BLOG
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Gallery Tours
With admission to SBMA, you are always invited to participate in a free docent-led gallery tour, which begins every day at noon in the lobby at the State Street entrance. The following tours focus on the Asian Collection:

April - 26, 29 at noon
May - 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 at noon
June - 2, 5, 13, 17, 22, 27 at noon
July - 5, 8, 13, 21, 24 at noon
August - 1, 5, 9, 14, 18, 26, 28 at noon
September - 5, 8, 9, 14, 18, 26, 28 at noon