Friends of Asian Art

Friends of Asian Art members play an active role in one of the most rapidly growing collections in the Museum. With the Arts of Korea Gallery, the Glassell Collection of Indonesian Gold, the Nidhika and Pershant Mehta Arts of India Gallery, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Arts of China Gallery, and the Arts of Japan Gallery, the Museum offers something for every connoisseur of Asian art. Patrons enjoy lectures and private cocktail receptions to meet curators, scholars, dealers, and artists. Members also participate in exclusive viewings of exhibitions, collections, and behind-the-scenes tours and have opportunities for international, curator-led travel. A high point of the year is the annual seated dinner where Friends of Asian Art members vote to select ancient and contemporary masterpieces to be acquired for the Museum’s collection.

Past program highlights include:

  • Conversation with artist Byron Kim on Korean American art in Houston, celebrating the tenth anniversary of his commission Flight of the Kingfisher for the MFAH
  • An evening at the Museum celebrating the new installation of Chinese devotional Buddhist gilt bronzes from the Swergold Collection, featuring a lecture and conversation with collectors
  • Panel discussion on the rich history of Indian jewelry with MFAH curators; scholar and author Usha R. Balakrishnan; and scholar and collector Benjamin Zucker

For more information about Friends of Asian Art, contact Ashley Powell at apowell@mfah.org or 713.639.7594. Please note that a current MFAH membership is required to join Friends of Asian Art. Visit mfah.org/jointoday for information about MFAH membership levels and benefits.

Parking in the Museum’s garages is complimentary during Patron Group events! Members of Patron Groups also enjoy the discounted MFAH member rate when parking during regular Museum visits. Learn more about parking.

Levels

  • Major Sponsor
    $10000 FMV: $300

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Friends of Asian Art member programs

    Plus:

    • Four votes at the annual acquisition dinner
    • The opportunity to bring guests to programs
    • Private curator consultation by appointment
    • Complimentary catalogues as determined by the program and exhibition schedule
  • Sponsor
    $5000 FMV: $300

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Friends of Asian Art member programs

    Plus:

    • Two votes at the annual acquisition dinner
  • Benefactor
    $2500 FMV: $300

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Friends of Asian Art member programs

     

    Plus:

    • One vote at the annual acquisition dinner
  • Young Benefactor (40 and younger)
    $1000 FMV: $150

    Membership for one individual.

    Members enjoy:

    • Invitations to exclusive Friends of Asian Art member programs

    Plus:

    • One vote at the annual acquisition dinner