#TBT: In 1979, Turning Over a Shovelful of Earth at 725 Park Avenue

George W. Ball (chairman of the board) and Phillips Talbot (president) look on as Blanchette Ferry Rockefeller 3rd breaks ground for the Asia Society’s new building on June 5th, 1979. (Asia Society)

In June of 1979, Asia Society broke ground for its New York City headquarters, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, at the corner of Park Avenue and East 70th Street in New York City. The eight-story museum, performing arts space, and office building was completed in less than two years and dedicated in April 1981, commemorating the institution’s 25th anniversary.

In the above photo, George W. Ball (chairman of the board), Blanchettte Ferry Rockefeller, and Phillips Talbot (president) participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Asia Society’s new building on June 5th, 1979.  

Each week for "Throwback Thursday" (#TBT), we'll reach into our archives to find a photo from the organization's nearly 60-year history. Some photos will feature important moments, some will feature important people, and others still will just be photos we love. Do you have an Asia Society photo you'd like us to consider including in this series? Please email the photo and any related details to [email protected] (we regret that we won't be able to respond directly to each inquiry).