From the Director: Martha Blackwelder, Asia Society Texas Center

On May 15, 2008, after nearly 30 years in rented Houston offices, performance halls and lecture spaces, Asia Society Texas Center broke ground for a beautiful new 38,000 square foot headquarters building, designed by one of the world’s most celebrated architects, Yoshio Taniguchi. Best known, heretofore, for his 2004 expansion and redesign of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Mr. Taniguchi is now undertaking the creation of his second U.S. edifice, continuing in the Western hemisphere a tradition of excellence well established in his native Japan, where many museums bear his unique imprimatur.

When completed and opened in 2010, the new Texas Center is certain to be an architectural gem and a global destination attraction. But, more importantly, it will be the long-awaited lauchpad for more and better Asia-centric programs, educational initiatives, lectures, discussions, cultural festivals, art exhibitions and contemplative endeavors. The gardens, spacious lobbies, garden café and AsiaStore will be popular meeting spots. And Asia Society’s mission of preparing Asians and Americans for a shared future will thrive in an atmosphere of Texas ingenuity and hospitality.

Until construction begins later this summer, a temporary, two-story proportional mock-up of a portion of the building has taken up residence on our property at 1370 Southmore. When you view it, think of the possibilities it represents… for all of us and the generations to come.

Let’s build together.