Introduction／

Dr. Jay Xu is recognized as the first Chinese American to assume the directorship of a major art museum in the United States. His work has been dedicated to advancing scholarly and public understanding of Asian art and culture, while reinforcing the function of art museums as significant institutions for cultural exchange and cultural diplomacy.

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco stands as one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to the study and presentation of Asian art. Distinguished by its breadth and depth of collections—particularly its rich holdings of Chinese cultural artifacts—the museum serves as a vital cultural bridge, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. By presenting the diversity and continuity of Asian civilizations, from antiquity to the contemporary era, the museum invites audiences to engage with Asia’s historical legacies, present realities, and future trajectories, while advancing the global recognition of Asian culture.This lecture will provide an overview of the museum’s institutional history, collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Special attention will be given to its international curatorial collaborations and the guiding principles that shape its exhibition practices.

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