Asia Society & Museum

Founded in 1956 by John D Rockefeller – who was quite a fan of Asia – this cultural center is meant to strengthen Western understanding of Asia and relationships between that region and the US. Other outposts exist in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Shanghai, though the New York branch is the headquarters. You’ll find an array of reasons to visit the place, including educational lectures and events, but the biggest draw is its museum, which features rare treasures from all across Asia, such as Jain sculptures from India, Buddhist paintings from Nepal and jade and lacquer items from China.