​Offering dynamic public programs at the Asian Art Museum, Gardner Center events explore the vast diversity of Asia and its presence in the world. From history and culture to global health and urban design, we exchange ideas that include dialogue on challenging contemporary issues. We also invite you to experience a range of artistic expression related to Asia.

The Gardner Center is proud to partner with the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies and Departments of Art History and Asian Languages and Literature; the Elliott Bay Book Company; and a variety of organizations involved with Asia.

CONTACT US

206.442.8480
Email

Office Hours:
Tue ​– Thu 
10 am – 5 pm

SCHEDULE

Visit SAM’s calendar for a detailed schedule of Gardner Center programs.

The Gardner Center invites scholars, writers, artists, global development experts, and others engaged with Asia to share their ideas, projects, and experiences. Using a multidisciplinary approach, our inquiry is dedicated to encounters across cultures—within Asia, between Asia and the rest of the world, and within the museum.

Asia Talks range from authors producing great writing from and about Asia, to local women from South Asia discussing family jewelry traditions, to a daylong session on an Asian art form.

The popular Saturday University Lecture Series brings in national, local, and international speakers to delve into a unique theme for each series. Every year we host a winter/spring and a fall series, in partnership with the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies. Our mornings begin with coffee and book browsing (thanks to the Elliott Bay Book Company), and conclude with an audience discussion with the speaker.

“
I spend all week thinking about last Saturday’s lecture, and looking forward to the next one.
”​

 Auditorium seating is primarily through advance series subscriptions with limited individual lecture tickets sold at the door. Other interested visitors can join the on-site simulcast viewing at no charge.​​​​

From classic masterpieces to new popular cinema, Asian films are screened outdoors in the Volunteer Park Amphitheater on Friday nights in the summer, and in the Asian Art Museum auditorium during other seasons.​​​

Image: Osaka Elegy (Naniwa erejî), 1936, Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi.

Coming Up

Deco-E​ra Japanese Film Series

Jul 25
​The Lady and the Beard

Aug 1
​Osaka Elegy

Aug 8
Floating Weeds​

​The a​rts provide powerful experiences for​ and insights between people who don’t share a spoken language or similar background. The Gardner Center presents occasional Asia-related performances and visual artists’ demonstrations. From contemporary Korean music to Bollywood dance styles to traditional textile techniques, these are special opportunities to engage with artists in action.

Every year, Tasveer and the Gardner Center co-present Yoni Ki Baat (a South Asian adaptation of The Vagina Monologues), created by an entirely new cast with their original stories. ​

Photo: David McLanahan​

COMING UP​

jul 25
Deco Night

jul 30
Korean Hanji Paper Fashion Show

Aug 21
Imeruat Demo & Performance

Sep 18
Kantha Embroidered Textiles of Bangladesh