Explore Asia: Permanent Exhibition and Website for Asia Society Texas Center

Explore Asia is a new innovative educational experience and online learning platform developed in collaboration with the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston. The project comes at a critical moment as society confronts increasing anti-Asian hate. The new permanent exhibit was conceived to further the mission of the Asia Society to promote empathy and a better understanding of Asian and Asian-American cultures in Houston and beyond.

Developed in collaboration with Potion, with fabrication by Art Guild, Explore Asia focuses on five countries, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, with the intent to expand to more countries in the future. The exhibit is conceived as a journey through Asia, departing from Houston, and features six dynamic experiences, each offering multiple levels of engagement to connect with different nations and cultures.

Delight in an interactive culinary adventure in the cafe, participate in a group drumming session, and explore hands-on mini-museums dedicated to each featured country. Experience the magic of travel with an immersive train ride that transports visitors from Houston through the landscapes of Asia, culminating in “The Mist of Intentions,” a contemplative space inviting visitors to pause and consider their values and aspirations for their communities.

Explore Asia weaves together themes of heritage, identity, and community well-being, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. This exhibit is more than an educational experience; it celebrates the global citizens that the Asia Society aims to nurture.

Explore Asia is unique as it has both an onsite and an online presence. This reaches a wider audience and provides both local and national K-12 student and educator communities with Asia and Asian-American-specific learning resources. The online learning platform features interactive graphic novels in a captivating “webtoon” format. These stories, created by local artists illustrating their respective communities, feature a range of diverse protagonists, storylines, and perspectives that resonate with a younger audience.

The Asia Society Texas Center in Houston continues to promote cultural exchange and celebrate Asia’s diversity. Through its art, education, business, and culture programs, the Center fosters a sense of connectedness and community, enriching the lives of Houstonians and beyond.