The building was designed by architect Carl F. Gould, who also designed the University of Washington's Suzzallo Library.
The structure originally served as the primary Seattle Art Museum until the main downtown facility opened in 1991.
The 2020 expansion added a 3,600-square-foot glass lobby that connects the historic building to the surrounding landscape.
The museum's collection includes a significant holding of Japanese works, including rare ukiyo-e prints.
The site was constructed on the former location of the Seattle Reservoir, which was moved underground to accommodate the museum grounds.
The museum features a specific gallery dedicated to the artistic influence of the Silk Road.
The Seattle Asian Art Museum is housed in a restored 1933 Art Deco building located within Volunteer Park. The facility underwent a major renovation and expansion that concluded in early 2020, adding a glass-walled lobby overlooking the park. Its permanent collection features over 7,000 objects representing cultures from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The galleries are organized by themes such as 'Materials' and 'Living Traditions' rather than strict chronology. The building is a designated Seattle landmark noted for its symmetrical architecture and terracotta facade. It serves as a satellite site to the primary Seattle Art Museum located downtown.
The glass-enclosed park lobby, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding park greenery.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Volunteer Park Conservatory.
Visit on the first Thursday of every month for free public admission.
Look for the outdoor sculpture 'Black Sun' by Isamu Noguchi located in the park just outside the museum entrance.
Do not mistake this for the main Seattle Art Museum located in the downtown waterfront area.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
