Where Asian Art Meets the World.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco – Chong‑Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture connects global audiences with the art, culture, and histories of Asia and the Asian diaspora through one of the most comprehensive collections in the world, encompassing more than 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years.
History
Founded in 1966 to house Avery Brundage’s gift of nearly 7,700 Asian artworks, the museum originally operated as an extension of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. Facing space constraints, it relocated in 2003 to the historic former San Francisco main library—redesigned by architect Gae Aulenti—opposite Civic Center. In recognition of a key donation by engineer Chong‑Moon Lee, it was named the Chong‑Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 
Mission
The Asian Art Museum aims to inspire new ways of thinking by connecting diverse communities to historical and contemporary Asian art and culture through its world‑class collection, exhibitions, and programs. Its vision is to make Asian art and culture essential and relevant to everyone. 
