Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center

Konichiwa, Y'all! This is a cool museum right in Downtown Corpus Christi that takes you across Asia to learn all about the different cultures that makes up the continent! I came here for Smithsonian Museum Day, where admission is FREE!! The museum opened up its galleries for the public and had demonstrations, displays and events going on! The downstairs area consists of the main galleries and the gift shop. I felt that the prices at the gift shop were quite reasonable if you're in the need for Asian stuff for the home to feng shui is up, or for some jade jewelry.The design of the museum was quite interesting, with a neat walkway that is reminiscent of the Royal Palace in Seoul to the Korean wing, and windows that look out on samurai statues and bamboo gardens! It's quite idyllic. The museum had all kinds of cool, interesting things to check out. While we were there, a docent was giving a talk on Asian weapons! Hiiiiya! Upstairs is accessible with an elevator, and has a library and a doll collection from Japan. Apparently, the founder of the museum was a lady from the area who was retired, loved to travel, and struck it rich with oil. She continued to travel, buying cool stuff she came across, and writing journals about her experience. The upstairs library has all of her writings on catalog, which range from intricate details about mundane aspects of her trip, to in-depth looks at culture and fashion. The collection of Japanese dolls she amassed is quite impressive. A docent was happy to walk us through the collection, pointing out the highlights and significance of the collection. My favorite was the Japanese doll of Richard Nixon! Sock it to Me!!! Parking was easy, and the museum is located amid a bunch of other local attractions, making it a cool quick stop to scope out the culture!

Really cool place to check out. It's in the same vicinity of the USS Lexington and Aquarium. Admission is cheap (about 5 bucks) and the last time I was here, it looked like they were still doing additions to their displays. Upstairs you'll find where they teach the Japanese Cultures classes (but I think they teach other classes as well). If I lived in Corpus, I would definitely take advantage of that! They do have stuff for sale as well. I found a really nice Maneki Neko there that I snatched up fairly quickly. =D

What a complete Rip off. I went with a Military friend of mine they don't support the military and the musesum was boring not very intersting its like if you wanna learn about asian cultures this is not the place for you and its not what your going to expect.

I came all the way from Houston to visit this museum in specific just to learn that it is closed for the Easter weekend starting on Good Friday! I should have called ahead.

I have visited all of the tourist sites in Corpus Christi over multiple vacations and this museum is at the bottom of my list. I was really hoping to learn more about Asian cultures but there was a noticeable lack of information about the items in the displays, the overall history in general and asian cultural contributions/history in Texas/local area. I wanted this place to be worthwhile but it needs substantial improvements both in quantity of items as well as quality.

great family day. lots to see. lots to learn. interactive family center.