Asia Society Museum has announced an exclusive Members Opening for its landmark exhibition Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon: Celebrating 70 Years of Asia Society and the Rockefeller Legacy, scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, from 5:30 to 8:45 PM at its headquarters at 725 Park Avenue in New York City. The evening will feature a reception, guided tours, and a special lecture, offering members a first look at one of the most significant showcases of Asian art assembled in the United States.
The exhibition brings together seventy exceptional works drawn from Asia Society’s permanent collection, originally assembled between the 1950s and 1970s by philanthropists John D. Rockefeller 3rd and Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller. Their vision and dedication to cultural preservation laid the foundation for Asia Society’s longstanding commitment to fostering understanding of Asian arts, history, and global influence. The collection reflects the Rockefellers’ discerning eye and deep respect for artistic traditions across the continent.
Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon spans more than two millennia of artistic achievement, featuring masterpieces in bronze, metalwork, and ceramics from China, Korea, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Among the highlights are striking Buddhist and Hindu sculptures that illustrate the spiritual, cultural, and aesthetic evolution of sacred art across regions. Rare ceramics and ritual objects further illuminate the diversity and sophistication of Asian craftsmanship, offering visitors a rich, multidimensional experience.
The Members Opening is designed not only as a celebration of the exhibition but also as a tribute to Asia Society’s 70‑year legacy of cultural leadership. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with curators and scholars, gaining deeper insight into the historical significance and artistic context of the works on display. The evening’s lecture component will further explore the Rockefellers’ role in shaping the museum’s collection and advancing cross‑cultural dialogue.
The exhibition is organized by Asia Society Museum and supported by a distinguished group of philanthropic partners, including the Arthur Ross Foundation, The Hazen Polsky Foundation, and The Mary Griggs Burke Fund, established through the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation. Additional support comes from the Asia Society Council on Asian Arts and Culture, Asia Society Friends of Asian Arts, and public funding from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Their collective contributions underscore the importance of sustaining access to world‑class cultural programming.
Asia Society encourages those interested in attending the Members Opening to join the organization or contact the membership office for registration details. As the institution marks seven decades of cultural stewardship, Buddha and Shiva, Lotus and Dragon stands as a testament to its enduring mission: to deepen understanding between the peoples of Asia and the world through art, education, and dialogue.
