Pictured: The Center for Asian Art. Photo courtesy of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The Ringling Museum has announced the projected opening of its Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art as May 15, 2016.

Designed by the internationally-renowned architects of Machado Silvetti and attached to the Searing Wing via renovation of the 1966 expansion, the new 25,000 square foot Center includes 6,800 square feet of gallery space for the exhibition of Asian art from The Ringling’s collection as well as educational facilities such as study rooms and a 125-person lecture hall.

“Through the creation of this Center, The Ringling underscores its dedication to and investment in the arts of Asia,” said Stephen High, executive director of The Ringling. “This Center will allow us to cultivate strategic partnerships around the globe, making Sarasota and The Ringling an important site for both scholars and enthusiasts of Asian arts and culture.”

The Center for Asian Art officially opens May 15 with a daylong community festival at The Ringling, including performances, games, art-making activities, culinary explorations and tours.

Pictured: The Center for Asian Art. Photo courtesy of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art