Seattle Asian Art Museum, Art museum in Capitol Hill, Seattle, US
The Seattle Asian Art Museum is housed in an Art Deco building located in Volunteer Park and displays works across thirteen galleries. The collection spans both historical and contemporary pieces from across Asia, offering a broad view of the region's artistic traditions.
The 1933 Art Deco building by Carl F. Gould of Bebb and Gould housed the Seattle Art Museum's main collection until 1991, when it moved downtown. In 1993 the museum announced an Asian art museum for the Volunteer Park site; a November 1993 APEC reception drew East Asian leaders and 400 guests. SAAM opened on August 13, 1994, to 6,000 visitors.
The collection brings together art from China, Korea, Japan, India, the Himalayan region, and Southeast Asia, with special attention to artists connected to the Pacific Northwest. You can see how traditional forms continue to influence contemporary works on display.
The museum is located in Volunteer Park, which is accessible by car with nearby parking and by public transit. It's best to check current hours before your visit, as they may vary by season.
The building underwent a major renovation that added modern climate control systems while keeping its historical architecture intact. This upgrade allows the valuable artworks to be stored and displayed under ideal conditions.
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