Among the many extraordinary treasures that comprise the Asian Art Museum’s permanent collection, the circular jade disk known as a bi stands out as a symbol of the important role individual donors play in the life of the museum. The bi’s significance is evident when one considers that jade pieces in this shape were first created thousands of years ago, before metals had been harnessed for human use; bi were carved with a string saw and an abrasive in what must have amounted to many, many hours of work. While experts will probably never know for certain the purpose of the bi, its importance must have been paramount to have commanded such dedicated labor and resources. The result is a lasting symbol of artistry and beauty, and of commitment to a vision and purpose.

Like the bi, the Jade Circle represents a significant investment of time and resources, and a commitment to embracing the unique material, aesthetic, and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture. Jade Circle members make annual gifts of $3,000 or more to the museum for general program support. The Jade Circle helps to:

• foster a greater understanding and enjoyment of Asian art and culture
• provide education and outreach programs which celebrate the more than forty Asian cultures represented in the museum’s collection
• present new and exciting special exhibitions
• conserve and expand its internationally recognized permanent collection

Benefits and Privileges

Conservators’ Council $3,000–$5,999

• Access to the Peterson Room and Garden
• Invitations to select exhibition previews and openings
• Invitation to the Jade Circle Annual Meeting Reception
• Priority seating to selected performances and lectures
• Recognition on the Museum’s Annual Donor Wall and in Treasures Magazine

Curators’ Council $6,000–$9,999

• All of the above plus:
• Opportunity to host one private reception in the Peterson Room on a Thursday evening
• Invitation to Curators’ Choice program and reception

Director’s Council $10,000–$14,999

• All of the above plus:
• Opportunity to host two private receptions in the Peterson Room on a Thursday evening
• Invitation to Annual Director’s Council Dinner

Leadership Council $15,000–$24,999

• “Back-of-the-house” tours of the Museum
• Opportunity for recognition as a sponsor of a public or education program

Fair market value of benefits for Conservator’s Council and Curator’s Council estimated to be $175; for Director’s Council and Leadership Council, $375. Please consult your tax advisor as to what portion of your gift is tax deductible.

We cordially invite you to join this important group of donors with a Jade Circle gift today. Throughout the year members receive invitations to special openings; lectures and programs by scholars and staff; consular corps receptions; viewings of private art collections; and national and international travel opportunities. Click here for upcoming Jade Circle events. Members also have access to the Peterson Room, a private donor lounge. For information on scheduled programs please call 415.581.3775.

To join, click here for a PDF form.

The Peterson Room
The Richard H. and Marianne Peterson Room and Garden are secluded donor areas open only to Jade Circle and Avery Brundage Circle members and their guests. The elegantly appointed room and tranquil garden located behind Cafe Asia, is a perfect place to enjoy lunch or a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. The room is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm are reserved for private events hosted by Jade Circle members at the Curator’s Council level ($6,000+) or higher, or for museum and other Jade Circle activities.

Access

• Admission to the Peterson Room is by key only.
• Keys may be requested at the membership admissions desk. You will be asked to leave your museum membership card or other ID in exchange for the key.
• When you leave the Peterson Room, please return the key to the admissions desk and retrieve your card or ID.

Guests

• Members are encouraged to bring guests to tour the museum and visit the Peterson Room. Your Jade Circle membership admits you and three guests. We ask that you remain with your guests during your visit to the room and garden.
• More than one group at a time may be using the room and we ask that you share the space with each other, respecting noise levels and area limitations. The Peterson Room is not designed to be a place to conduct business or meetings. These courtesies will allow your fellow Jade Circle members to enjoy the Peterson Room along with you throughout the day.

Cafe Asia lunch or other event reservations

Cafe Asia is pleased to arrange a special luncheon, tea, or reception for you and your guests. They offer a range of services and can provide you many options to make your event exceptional. Cafe Asia can be reached at (415) 581-3630 or cafeasia@asianart.org.

We try to limit these special lunches to no more than one table, so that all members may enjoy the room at any time. Please contact the Jade Circle office at (415) 581-3775 or jadecircle@asianart.org to ensure that a table is available.

Cafe Asia will arrange for a special lunch or event only with confirmation from the Jade Circle office.

Special events

• From time to time, there may be larger groups using the room and garden. These are by special request only and must be confirmed in advance through the Jade Circle office. Hosts of these groups understand that they are sharing the room with others and will make every effort to accommodate members in the room or with substitute seating.
• On rare occasions, the museum may need to have exclusive use of the room for reasons of security or due to special arrangements. We will make every effort to make members comfortable with alternate arrangements and ask for your understanding when this happens.
• For more information about hosting a special event in the Peterson Room and Garden, please contact the Jade Circle office at (415) 581-3775 or jadecircle@asianart.org.