by Michelle Moya
LEAP has taken us to several museums this year—the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Art Museum, and many others scattered throughout the semester. Each visit has offered something different, but our last museum trip of the semester to the Asia Society Texas felt like the perfect way to close out what’s been a great streak of cultural experiences!
Asia Society Texas Center is located in Houston’s Museum District. Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, the building is modern, clean, and flooded with natural light; it manages to feel both contemporary and welcoming.
We started our tour at the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theatre. The theater itself seats 273 in steel-gray chairs made by the same manufacturer as Ferrari, and the stage is beautiful Appalachian white oak.
Next came one of the coolest parts: the “LEO Bullet Train,” an immersive digital journey through Asia.
The rectangular room has screens shaped like train windows, and as the “ride” progresses, videos of different Asian countries scroll past bustling cityscapes, serene landscapes, cultural landmarks, daily life. It’s a clever way to experience Asia’s vast diversity without leaving Houston.
After the train ride, we explored the Pokémon exhibition. At first glance, it might seem unexpected for a cultural center, but the exhibit makes a compelling case for Pokémon as a significant example of Japanese cultural influence worldwide.
For many of us who grew up with Pokémon, seeing it in this academic context was both amusing and fascinating – a reminder that cultural exchange happens in many forms, and something that shaped our childhood also introduced us to Japanese design, language, and values.
We then played with an interactive screen where you could share your favorite part of the museum…
…and we all had fun with that.
Next was a series of interactive displays highlighting the different Asian countries…
To cap it all off, we explored the interactive food screens, a playful way to learn about Asian cuisine.
This visit was a fitting end to our museum series this semester- combining accessibility, engaging exhibits, hands-on experiences, and cultural depth.
All the things that make these trips worthwhile!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 