New York, NY—Memor Museum has officially celebrated its grand opening in a historic landmark building within the Metropolitan Museum Historic District, bringing an extraordinary celebration of Asian culture to New York City. The grand opening event highlighted the museum’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern innovation, as it unveiled its inaugural exhibition, Sanxingdui Encounter: A 12k Micro-viewing of National Treasures, Global Tour.
A Landmark Building, A New Vision
Situated in a townhouse constructed in the 1890s on Madison Avenue, Memor Museum occupies a space steeped in history. In a sense revitalizing the 20th-century trend of transforming townhouses into exhibition spaces, the museum introduces Asian culture to this historic district and bridges the historic architecture with cutting-edge innovative exhibitions.
The opening ceremony was hosted by exhibition translator Kristen Martucci, who remarked, “Committed to maintaining its original features, we are honored to now be reimagining it—contrasting tradition with modernity—and ushering in new but longstanding Asian cultures that mirror the cultural diversity of New York.”
Matthew Bauer, President of Madison Avenue BID also commented: “As Memor Museum joins the Madison Avenue community, it becomes a vital part of this historic and thriving neighborhood. We are thrilled to welcome such a meaningful addition to the cultural fabric of New York.”
Sanxingdui Encounter: A North American First
The museum’s current highlight, Sanxingdui Encounter, marks the first North American showcase of this world-renowned exhibition. Co-produced with Sanxingdui Museum, the exhibition immerses visitors in the ancient Shu civilization, which dates back over 3,000 years. Utilizing advanced 12K technology, AI-guided interactions, and VR experiences, the exhibition brings to life the artistry and mysteries of Sanxingdui's archaeological treasures.
“This exhibition has traveled from Beijing to Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Qatar, and now arrives in Manhattan,” said Willa (Wennan) Ao, Director of Memor Museum and Chief Curator of Sanxingdui Encounter. “Our hope is to share the importance of these cultural treasures with New York’s richly diverse community, fostering a deeper understanding of Asian heritage.”
Highlights from the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Ma Yunfei, Director of the Chinese Tourism Office in New York; Wellington Chen, Executive Director of the Chinatown Partnership and Commissioner of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission; and TV Producer Naratama Rukmananda. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion and the museum’s contribution to promoting cultural and community dialogue.
Sridhar Shanmugam, Founder of Navatman South Asian Arts, spoke to the profound importance of Sanxingdui Encounter. “It is a bridge between today’s modern world and ancient history. Connecting with that ancient heritage is vital for building a beautiful future.”
Shang Jiyuan, Cultural Counselor, Chinese Consulate General in New York, remarked: “Cultural exchange is the foundation of understanding. Memor Museum’s focus on Sanxingdui is a beautiful reminder of the connections we all share through history and heritage.”
Messages from Chinese archaeologists and museum experts emphasized the historical and cultural importance of Sanxingdui:
“Through this exhibition, the American public has the opportunity to appreciate the ancient Shu civilization, an integral part of the long-standing, continuous, and uniquely diverse Chinese civilization, which holds great historical significance,” said Wang Wei, Chairman of the Chinese Archaeological Society.
Liu Shuguang, Chairman of the Chinese Museums Association, emphasized the exhibition’s importance in fostering cross-cultural exchange: “Sanxingdui is a dazzling flower within China’s vast cultural heritage. I hope Memor Museum will play an active role in spreading Asian and Chinese culture, strengthening U.S.-China cultural ties, and promoting museum collaborations between the two nations.”
Tang Fei, Director of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, described the museum as “a cultural bridge connecting Asia and the world. Launching with Sanxingdui Encounter opens a new chapter of cultural exchange and discovery.”
Zhu Yarong, Deputy Director of Sanxingdui Museum, added, “Sanxingdui has been hailed as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This exhibition highlights the ancient Shu civilization’s artistic brilliance and boundless creativity, making this inaugural showcase profoundly significant.”
As part of the grand opening, Director Willa Ao invited notable guests from the front row to join her on the stage for the official unveiling of the Memor Museum signage.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of summer exhibitions featuring Tibetan thangka art and Indian classical dance, Memor Museum is poised to become a hub for cultural dialogue and innovation. The grand opening not only celebrated the launch of Sanxingdui Encounter but also cemented the Memor Museum’s status as a beacon of cultural exchange, innovation, and storytelling in New York City.
Don't miss your chance to explore Sanxingdui Encounter—get your tickets now and visit Memor Museum at 1130 Madison Ave to embark on an unforgettable journey through history. Learn more about the Museum at www.memormuseum.com.