Last updated: 11/21/2019
Corpus Christi, Texas
Address
1809 N. Chaparral St.Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Hours

Thursday - Saturday
12 PM - 5 PM

Admissions

Adults: $6
Seniors: $5
Students (): $4
Children 12 and under : $3

Staff

Richard Hafemeister
phone: 361-881-8827
Description

The Billie Trimble Chandler Arts Foundation, Inc. dba, The Asian Cultures Museum, was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1974. The Museum represents the vision of one woman-Mrs. Billie Trimble Chandler. Beginning in the late 1950's, Mrs. Chandler lived and taught English in Japan for over seventeen years. During this period, she collected thousands of artifacts and commissioned numerous works of art. Upon her return to Corpus Christi, these objects became the core of the Museum's collections. The collection was later expanded to include items from other Pacific Rim nations and the Indian subcontinent. Reflecting this broader scope, in 1982, the institution became The Museum of Oriental Cultures. The following year, a board of trustees was formed to oversee the operation and funding of the Museum.

Today, The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures Museum is a thriving center providing high quality exhibitions, educational opportunities and entertaining special events. Our vast collection includes over 8,000 objects and documents. These include a five foot bronze Amida Buddha; over 2,800 Japanese Hakata dolls and paintings; Chinese porcelain, lacquer ware and opera costumes; Korean textiles, costumes, and ceramics; Indian brass artifacts; and collections from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

One of only five museums of its kind in the United States, The Asian Cultures Museum was recently designated by the Texas Legislature as the Official State Museum of Asian Cultures. In 1999, over 15,000 people visited our Museum and experienced the wonder of Asia, and the numbers have grown since.

Mission

The mission of the State Museum of Asian Cultures and Educational Center is to promote an understanding of Asian Cultures through educational programming, exhibits based upon our extensive collection of Asian artifacts, and special events. The Museum is committed to providing an increased cultural awareness about Asia to Texans and encouraging mutual understanding with the peoples of Asia.

Educational Programs

Origami, calligraphy, Asian language programs (Japanese, Korean and Tagalog) Feng Sway, fish printing, acupuncture and cooking lessions are tentatively scheduled for fall.

Library
Access: Scholars, Staff Only
Appointment required: No
Publications
Gao Feng’s Worship Heaven - Available here

Gao Feng’s Worship Heaven is a book that retells the ancient story Worship Heaven, recorded by the Naxi Dongba as pictographs on paper, and retold by Gao Feng as a series of black and white paintings with captions. In 2005 the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures was the first museum in the United States to host this exhibition, and the Museum published a book containing the exhibit to commemorate it and preserve it for visitors to see in the future.

Gao Feng's Worship Heaven
Services
Gift Shop!!

Visit the Museum Gift Shop and jumpstart your holiday shopping! Is there a person on your gift list who “has everything”? The Gift Shop of the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center features many new and unique gifts to fit all budgets. We have also listed several of our books on amazon.com. To buy books online visit our Amazon Storefront, purchase our exclusive offer of Gao Feng’s Worship Heaven by contacting us, or visit the Museum and buy these and other items while you are there.

From porcelains and jewelry to children’s games and craft sets, there’s certain to be something for everyone on your list. Please visit today and get a head start on your holiday shopping, while supporting your Museum!

A Very Special Rental

Please contact the Museum for rental rates and availability for Lecture, Meeting and Presentation rooms, Anniversary and Retirement Parties, Quincenaras, Bridal and Baby showers, Birthday Parties, Engagement, Bachelor, Bachelorette and Rehearsal parties, Weddings and Reception events. We have several rooms that may accommodate your needs.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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