A visit to the Asiatica Museum of Asian Art (Asiatica Musée d’Art Oriental) offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of Asian art. See ancient paintings, sculptures and archaeological objects from China, Tibet, Nepal and India. The museum has a collection of around 1,000 Asian artifacts, which is one of the largest in France.
The museum’s permanent exhibitions are divided into individual countries and regions. The China collection spreads through two rooms. Browse extensive displays of bronze, ivory and porcelain objects. Check out the Guanyin, sculptures of East Asian goddesses of mercy, and a Buddha from the Northern Wei dynasty. Also within the China exhibition, find a small display of Japanese objects, such as Satsuma porcelain.
In the Tibet collection, see superb examples of Buddha statues and “thangka,” paintings that typically portray mandala offerings and Buddhist scenes. Go to the Nepal room to see gilt-bronze artifacts and intricate carvings representing the temples of Kathmandu. Don’t miss the Himalayan Regions and Eastern India collection, which has a fine display of diorite rock sculptures from the 9th and 10th centuries. While here, look for images of deities that resemble masks. These artifacts are showcased at religious celebrations.
The Provinces of India collection highlights the eclectic cultures of the Southern Asian country. Find jewelry, masks of the gods from Himachal Pradesh and carvings from Tamil Nadu, among other artifacts.
The Asiatica Musée d’Art Oriental is less than a 10-minute walk from Biarritz’s city center. Public buses stop nearby and free parking is available on the street in front of the museum’s main entrance.
The museum is open daily. There is an admission fee, which includes entry to any temporary exhibitions. Use a guidebook for free and find extensive information about the museum’s exhibits in English. Alternatively, rent an audio guide, which is available in English, French and Spanish. Those with a specific interest in Asian art can find books in the museum’s shop. Visit the museum’s official website for more information.
