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The Art of Asia
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Architecture

With four Asian rooms permanently installed in its galleries, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Asian architecture. The rooms provide a glimpse into Chinese and Japanese culture, history, and daily life. And they are exquisite, authentic settings for the interpretation and display of the museum's outstanding collection of Asian art.

Two Chinese Rooms Two Japanese Rooms

In 1996, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts purchased and restored what remained of several Chinese historic residential structures

In 2001, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts added replicas of two historic Japanese structures to its collection

Wu Family Reception Hall
Wu Family Reception Hall

Formal Audience Hall (Shoin)
Formal Audience Hall (Shoin)

The Wu Family Reception Hall served as the main ceremonial hall of a traditional upper class home

Japanese aristocrats used such elegantly decorated rooms as reception halls for visiting guests and official messengers

Scholar's Library and Study
Scholar's Library and Study

Teahouse (Chashitsu)
Teahouse (Chashitsu)

The library and garden offered a sanctuary for scholars to read, write, paint and refine their inner sensibilities

Constructed in the wabi style, the museum's teahouse is characterized by its simplicity and restraint

Featured Collections

Classical Chinese Furniture
Chinese Furniture

Han Architectural Models
Han Architectural Models

Featured Objects
Selected works of art related to architecture - featuring interviews with curators

Ceremonial Gate
Ceremonial Gate
Lintel Arch From a Vishnu Temple
Lintel Arch From a Vishnu Temple
Moon Gate
Moon Gate

Browse by Type
Browse Collection of Asian Architecture
See All Featured Objects

Explore a select group of objects with special connections to Asian Architecture

Video: Japanese Scrolls and Screens
Learn how Japanese interiors are designed, divided, and arranged

Architecture - Glossary