Heritage Museum of Asian Art Introduction

Welcome to Heritage Museum of Asian Art. A short walk from the heart of Chicago's Chinatown, Heritage is one of the very few museums dedicated solely to the visual arts of Asia in the United States. The museum predominantly features Chinese works of art, although pieces from other areas are on display as well, including Japan, India, and Burma. From Neolithic to contemporary, artwork on display includes jades, bronzes, ceramics, wood furnishings, paintings, and more. Some of the oldest pieces in the museum are Neolithic jade stone carvings from the Hongshan culture, nearly 7,000 years ago. Jade has been a precious material for the East, from this early culture until today. With a strong belief in the afterlife, jade was used to adorn the bodies and tombs of the deceased, as it was believed to have healing and protective powers. Many of these jade pieces are on long-term display in the museum. Bronze, and bronze vessels in particular, was also revered since the earliest civilizations in China. These vessels were symbols of status, used in ritual worship of ancestors, and buried with the dead to accompany them in the afterlife. Many bronze objects feature patterns of abstract clouds, thunder, interlaced dragons, and other mythical beasts, such as the Taotie. These vessels were used for water, wine, and cooking food. A significant collection of Han and Tang dynasty tomb sculpture is on long-term loan to the museum as well. Over 50 pieces of ceramics are on display from these two important dynasties in Chinese history, where advancements in civilization, arts, and ceramics flourished. Once intended to accompany those in the afterlife, these artifacts now reside in the museum for visitors to admire their beauty and history. Beyond the exhibitions, the museum also features a gift shop and a research library for those interested in learning more. Founded in 2014 by third generation Chinatown resident Jeffrey Mui, Heritage Museum of Asian Art was his way to share his passion for Asian art and give back to the community. The museum is a non-profit organization open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. We're closed on Monday. Visit heritageasianart.org for more details. We hope to see you soon!