I always leave the Seattle Art Museum in Volunteer Park feeling zen times 100 and inspired. Psst, the free admission day here is the LAST FRIDAY of the month — mark it on your calendar!

Here are 7 things I loved at the Seattle Asian Art Museum: 

1. Alvord Board Room

If I ever have another wedding, I want it to be here. I've always loved this room, and I love it even more with the LMN expansion that opened up the room to views of the park.

2. Japanese textiles

I am a total sucker for the patterns in Japanese textiles. This is an early 20th century Okinawan kimono, made of banana fiber cloth and cotton cloth with dye. (It took about 40 banana trees to produce a single kimono!)

3 . Juxtaposition of old and new

Flower Ball, 2002, acrylic on canvas, by Takashi Murakami, seen just beyond a case of antiquities. It works.

4. All the Art Deco details

The Asian Art Museum is an Art Deco jewel box. The air vent grates, the doorknobs, the wall clock, the ceiling trim. Gorgeous, gorgeous details. Look at the original Art Deco handrail (that probably wasn't up to ADA standards) covered by a sleek modern one. Ugh. 

5. Gift shop finds

Museum gift shops have the best stuff! I have a terrible soft spot for stationary. Ramen sticky notes and scented gel pens!!

6. Traditional Chinese furniture

Love, love the lines of this Ming dynasty side table.

7. Wonky modern art

LED neon lights of Kali (I'm a Mess), 2020, by Chila Kumari Singh Burman, reflected on the window overlooking the park. What a fun surprise!