The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has kicked off its 100th year anniversary celebrations that will include events that honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As part of the two-week Centennial Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Festival, the museum is hosting exhibitions, outdoor events, film screenings, panel discussions, performances and more.
“Our vision is to transform the National Museum of Asian Art into a space where a wide range of visitors can come together to celebrate, learn about and interact with Asian art and cultures, including their intersection with America,” said Chase Robinson, the museum’s Director. “In our second century, we’re becoming a space to convene, learn, reflect and forge connections through art.”
The festival’s music lineup will be headlined by K-Pop star Eric Nam and Indian American musician Raveena Aurora. “Raised in the U.S. and inspired by their respective backgrounds, these artists embrace Korean and Indian influences as means of experimentation and self-expression and truly embody the Asian American experience,” said Robinson.
The centennial celebration will also include three exhibits dedicated to works from the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India; art from Anyang, the capital of ancient China’s Shang dynasty; and the works of Japanese contemporary artist Ay-O. Installations will include the introductory hall, which features a rotating display of artwork, and James McNeill Whistler’s newly conserved Peacock Room.
Museum visitors can take classes in traditional Asian dance and K-pop choreography, kimchi making and Indonesian cooking before taking a curator-led tour of the galleries. Visitors can also sit-in on panel discussions with AAPI designers and digital creators. The centenary programming also includes Asian artisan markets and lunch pop-ups featuring AAPI-owned business.
