2026
MID-YEAR REPORT
A SHARED HERITAGE
A COLLECTIVE FUTURE
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, we are proud to share the incredible momentum the Heritage Museum of Asian Art has built with the support of our members, donors, volunteers, artists, and community partners.
In just six months, 2,547 visitors came through our doors—already approaching our record-breaking attendance for all of 2025. Together, we presented 50 public programs, welcomed 1,208 participants, hosted 26 guided tours serving more than 600 students and 200 adult learners, and provided meaningful hands-on museum experience for 13 youth interns. Every visitor, workshop, and conversation reflects our belief that Asian art is a powerful catalyst for education, cultural understanding, and community connection.
This spring, our galleries came alive with four dynamic exhibitions. Contemporary artists Kioto Aoki and Mayumi Lake challenged audiences through immersive installations, while Stitching Stories: Interwoven transformed the museum into a space where artists and community members explored identity, migration, and belonging through textile art. In June, Beasts, Aviary and Ritual of Ancient China opened with one of the most exceptional private Chinese jade collection to the public, connecting visitors to over 6,000 years of Chinese artistic and spiritual traditions.
Beyond our exhibitions, we continued expanding access to Asian art through hands-on workshops, artist talks, performances, and cultural celebrations. One of the year's highlights was welcoming internationally acclaimed performance artist Eiko Otake for a citywide event series, bringing together museums, performance organizations, and community partners for programs exploring memory, migration, and identity. We also launched Morning Asia, a new online lecture series connecting audiences with artists and scholars across the globe.
Our commitment to serving the broader community extended well beyond our galleries. Museum staff and artists participated in festivals, school programs, cultural celebrations, and public events across Chicago, from Lunar New Year parades and Chinatown festivals to workshops at schools, community organizations, and corporate partners. During Pride Month, collaborations with community organizations highlighted LGBTQ+ stories within Asian communities through exhibitions, talks and performances.
The second half of 2026 will continue this momentum with five exhibitions, including The Meticulous Mystics: Wonders of Chinese Gongbi Painting, The Chinatown Renaissance: The Story of Andy Hoi-Csiu Chan, and Rediscover Victoria Yau, our most ambitious archival exhibition to date.
Everything we have accomplished this year has been made possible by the generosity of people like you. Your support allows us to preserve extraordinary collections, present meaningful exhibitions, create educational opportunities, and ensure that Asian art and culture remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Thank you for helping us build a museum where heritage is preserved, stories are shared, and communities come together.
THANK YOU
We are especially grateful to our collaborators, whose partnership allows us to expand the reach and impact of our work. Our sincere thanks to the Japanese Culture Center, Chinese American Museum of Chicago, Chicago Cultural Alliance, Asian Improv aRts Midwest, Butoh Curious Chi, National Hellenic Museum, Timeline Theatre, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, HAIBAYÔ, Vietnamese Association of Illinois, Chinese American Service League, Project: VISION, Invisible 2 Invincible, Little Red Schoolhouse, DePaul University Humanities Center, Arts Midwest, Illinois Arts Council, Chinatown Parking Lots, and the many organizations, artists, volunteers, and community members who have stood alongside us throughout the year.
The Heritage Museum of Asian Art could not do this work alone. Every exhibition, educational program, community partnership, and opportunity we create is made possible through your trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the richness of Asian art and culture.
