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Gardner Center for Asian Art & Ideas

Two presenters sitting on a stage holding microphones are deeply engaged in conversation with each other.
About

Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas events explore the vast diversity of Asia and its presence in the world. From history and culture to contemporary art and literature, we exchange ideas that include dialogue on challenging contemporary issues. We also invite you to experience a range of artistic expression—in literature, performance, film, and visual arts—related to Asia.

Founded in 2009 by Mimi Gardner Gates, the Gardner Center is currently overseen by SAM’s Asian art curatorial team in collaboration with colleagues in the museum’s Education & Public Engagement department. This ongoing program shares a variety of perspectives and builds on our region’s longstanding ties with Asia.


What to know

Gardner Center events take place at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

The Gardner Center regularly offers events in partnership with

  • Jackson School of International Studies
  • Department of Art History at the University of Washington
  • Department of Asian Languages and Literature at the University of Washington
  • Elliott Bay Book Company
  • Tasveer

Tickets for the Gardner Center's popular Saturday University Lecture Series are currently available for the 2024–2025 season. Learn more.

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Upcoming events

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Find out about events inspired by the thematic installation of the Asian art collection at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.


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