May 2008
The Wing Luke Asian Museum opens its new permanent home at 719 South King Street in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District after rehabilitating the historic East Kong Yick Building and transforming a community with its successful $23.2 million capital campaign.
From its 60,000-square-foot building, the Wing Luke Asian Museum expands its role as an economic and community resource for a distinctly diverse neighborhood, as one of Seattle's historic and creative treasures, and as a cultural institution of national significance. Spaces include Honoring Our Journey, Community Portrait Galleries, Historic Immersion Exhibits, Special Exhibition Gallery, George Tsutakawa Art Gallery, East and West Lightwells, Tateuchi Story Theatre, KidPLACE, Frank Fujii Youth Space, Learning Studios, The Marketplace, Community Hall, and the Governor Gary Locke Library and Community Heritage Center.
A national model for community-based exhibition process, upcoming special exhibits include the Native Hawaiian Community in the Pacific Northwest (Special Exhibition Gallery, October 2008); Voter Registration (New Dialogue Initiative, August 2008); Dance (KidPLACE, August 2008), and Mixed Race/Ethnicity (Community Portrait Gallery, September 2008). The “George Tsutakawa: The Making of a Fountain,” an exhibition featuring the fountains, paintings, models, and sculptures of the pioneer artist, will be on display in the art gallery bearing his name when the museum opens.
The Museum kicks off with a grand opening weekend celebration on May 31-June 1, beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony and multicultural drumming performance at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
The family-friendly event also features free museum admission, hiphop performance and workshops, children’s activities, giveaways, and lion and dragon dances at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Starting June 3, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and during free First Thursday and Third Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays. General admission is $8, adult (18-61); $6, seniors (62+); $6, students: grades 6 and above; $5, students: grades K-5; $5, kids ages 5-12; and free for kids under 5. Docent-led education and neighborhood tours are offered.
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