Best art destinations in Asia

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Asia's art offer spans one of the world's most diverse ranges of cultural traditions and artistic languages, from the classical court painting, ceramic and sculptural traditions of East Asia to the temple art and textile traditions of South and Southeast Asia and the calligraphic and miniature painting traditions of the Islamic world. The continent's major institutions hold collections of extraordinary depth that remain less visited by international art travellers than their significance warrants.

Contemporary art scenes across the continent have developed rapidly, with museum infrastructure, commercial gallery districts and biennial programming now established across multiple cities of genuine international standing. Private museum development has been particularly significant in East Asia, with architecturally ambitious institutions housing collections assembled with serious curatorial intent drawing visitors as much for the buildings as the works within them.

Advance booking for the most visited institutions is advisable during peak season and national holiday periods drive significant crowd levels at major museums across the region. Many of the continent's most significant art experiences sit within temple complexes, palace compounds and historic sites rather than dedicated art institutions, rewarding itineraries that approach the built heritage as seriously as the museum offer. Your money goes a long way across most of the continent making extended art itineraries practical on modest budgets.