About Us
Vibrant cultures, diverse perspectives, shared future.
Our Passion | History | Our Programs | Global Network, Local Impact
Our Passion
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
History
Sharing the vision of John D. Rockefeller 3rd, who founded Asia Society in New York in 1956, forward-thinking Houstonians led by former First Lady Barbara Bush and former Ambassador Roy M. Huffington established Asia Society Texas Center in 1979.
In 2012, Asia Society Texas opened a new 40,000-square-foot center, located in Houston's Museum District and designed by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi — best known in the U.S. for his renovation and expansion of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Asia Society Texas Programs
Asia Society Texas celebrates the vibrant cultures and diverse perspectives of Asians and Asian Americans through innovative programs in arts and culture, business and policy, and education. Through family-friendly festivals, policy conversations, thought-provoking exhibitions, and more, our exciting programs offer all-ages opportunities to engage year-round with artists, speakers, and topics that connect us all.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions at Asia Society offer a unique perspective into the talents and traditions of artists from around the world. On view in the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery and Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, our exhibitions rotate throughout the year and span cultures, centuries, and artistic forms.
Education Programs
Through camps, classes, family activities, and more, Asia Society offers educational programming and resources to spark curiosity and develop global competence for all ages and backgrounds.
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Women's Leadership Series
The Women's Leadership Series celebrates influential, diverse women making a substantive impact in both the business and culture arenas, locally and globally.
Live Art
Live art programs at Asia Society celebrate the vibrant diversity of Asia through thought-provoking dance, music, and theatre experiences that span time and inspire both curiosity and empathy.
Muslim Series
Through a multidisciplinary approach that utilizes Asia Society's breadth of programming opportunities, this series explores the artistic talents and stories of Muslim Americans to inspire our community to better understand one another.
AsiaFest
AsiaFest is Asia Society's annual community festival displaying the vibrancy of Asian culture, creativity, and cuisine in Houston. Since 2015, guests have joined us each year for an international bazaar, performances, arts and crafts, fusion food, live demonstrations, and more.
Night Market
This festive, family-friendly night of tasty treats, local vendors, and crafts also features a free look at our exhibitions. In 2020, we transformed this annual nighttime festival into a virtual experience highlighting Houston's AAPI-owned restaurants and small businesses.
Global Network, Local Impact
The Asia Society global network has offices in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. In collaboration with this global network, the Houston-based center works to uplift and unite diverse voices to forge a path toward a stronger and more inclusive community.