The Houston Museum District welcomed a new cultural institution in 2012 with the opening of Asia Society Texas Center's 40,000-square-foot headquarters.

The Yoshio Taniguchi-designed center features a flexible classroom and conference space, an art gallery, and a 273-seat theater. Three lifted gardens and a cafe add to Asia Society’s amenities. Just as inspiring as the building is the programming, which includes innovative artists and speakers from Asia and beyond. Visitors will experience the diversity of Asian art, film and performance, hear the latest trends in global business and policy, and learn through activities for kids of all ages.

The center’s doors stay open until 9 pm once a month for Leo Bar. The late opening on the first Thursday of the month offers new ways to unwind and socialize after a busy day. Drop by for free after-hours exhibitions, live music, cash bar and, of course, views of the Downtown skyline.

Asia Society Texas Center is the only U.S. branch of Asia Society other than the New York headquarters that has its own building, solidifying Houston's status as a gateway to Asia.