The Ringling announces opening date of Center for Asian Art

The Ringling announced today that its highly anticipated Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art will open May 15.

The new $10.2-million, 25,000-square-foot center, designed by architecture firm Machado Silvetti, includes 18,000 square feet of renovated existing museum space, a new 7,500 square-foot, three-story pavilion and 6,800 square feet of gallery space to house rotating exhibitions from the museum’s collection and programs that will explore historical and contemporary Asian cultures.

The pavilion will be linked to the museum’s west wing, via a new bridge, and will also feature a 125-person lecture hall, a print and study room and a seminar room.

“Through the creation of this center, The Ringling underscores its dedication to and investment in the arts of Asia,” said Steven High, executive director of The Ringling, in a release. “The Center will allow us to cultivate strategic partnerships with individuals and institutions around the globe, making Sarasota and The Ringling an important site for both scholars and enthusiasts of Asian arts and culture.”  

The Ringling will celebrate the official opening May 15,  with a day-long community festival, featuring performances, storytelling, art-making activities, games, demonstrations, culinary tours and gallery guides.