ABOUT WING LUKE MUSEUM
The Wing Luke Museum is an art and history museum in Seattle, Washington, United States, which focuses on the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It is located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Established in 1967, the museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States.
A MUSEUM LIKE NO OTHER
As a National Park Service Affiliated Area and the first Smithsonian affiliate in the Pacific Northwest, the Wing Luke Museum offers an authentic and unique perspective on the American story.
Nationally recognized for our work in creating dynamic, community-driven exhibitions and programs, we put our community at the heart of each exhibition we create.
The stories you see and hear within our walls are their authentic experiences and perspectives. From the struggles of early Asian pioneers to accomplished works by national Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists, their contributions give us a look at what it means to be uniquely American.
Our 60,000 square foot facilities offer three floors to tell our communities’ stories, with contemporary galleries showcasing both temporary and permanent exhibitions as well as preserved historic spaces accessible only through our daily guided tours.
Beyond our walls, we like to tell the story of our neighborhood, Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. While economically challenged, it is a historically and culturally vibrant area, and we see ourselves as a neighborhood concierge and an economic anchor for the nearby small businesses. From restaurants to statues that you might not otherwise notice, there are layers of history and significance that are waiting to be uncovered.
Wing Luke Museum offers guided neighborhood tours and events that will encourage you to discover stories and tastes both on and off the beaten path.
We connect everyone to the dynamic history, cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity.
THE WING LUKE MUSEUM MISSION
OUR GOALS
Through our exhibits, public events, and youth programs, The Wing Luke Museum aims to:
Empower Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) to tell their stories and histories in their own voices
Foster the work of contemporary AANHPI artists
Support and revitalize Seattle’s Chinatown-International District through our events and tours
Strengthen the AANHPI community through leadership development and opportunities
Serve as a primary Smithsonian affiliate in the Pacific Northwest, a National Park Service Affiliated Area, and as the nation’s only museum dedicated to the pan-APA community
The Wing Luke Museum is an art and history museum in Seattle, Washington, United States, which focuses on the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It is located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Established in 1967, the museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the United States.
WING LUKE MUSEUM’S HISTORY
Wing Luke makes history as the first person of color elected to the Seattle City Council and as the first Asian American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest.
1962
Wing Chong Luke is born the son of a laundryman and grocer. Immigrates to the United States at the age of 6.
1925
1963
Wing Luke plays a key role advocating for the City Council passage of the Open Housing Ordinance which led to the creation of the Seattle Human Rights Commission.
“Don’t do things because of who is right, but because of what is right.”
– Wing Luke
1965
Wing Luke’s life is cut short at the age of 40 in a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains.
1967
The Wing Luke Memorial Foundation is created in honor of Wing Luke’s legacy.
1987
The museum’s second location was in a converted garage previously known as The China Garage. It was renamed The Wing Luke Asian Museum and opened with the Theatre Off Jackson.
1993
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) — a process developed by the Wing Luke Museum to allow local artists, community leaders, and staff to develop exhibit storylines and curate artifacts — creates its first exhibit. The structure allows for authentic and unique perspectives on the American story.
2008
Wing Luke Museum moves into its current location on South King Street and becomes a National Park Service Affiliated Area. Prior to this honor, the Museum was the first Smithsonian affiliate organization in the Pacific Northwest.
2015
The Washington State Attorney General’s office establishes the Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit in Wing Luke’s honor to investigate and enforce civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.
