Mission Statement

The Lentz Center for Asian Culture recognizes the rich and varied cultures of the many diverse peoples of Asia. As an entity within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, its unique collection provides a singular opportunity for enhancing instructional programs on the campus, as well as enriching the cultural environment of the citizens of the state of Nebraska. It embodies the University's strong commitment to fostering multicultural understanding through an appreciation of Asian cultures.

Brief Description

The Lentz Center for Asian Culture is dedicated to the enrichment of knowledge and understanding of Asia, and is the only museum in Nebraska devoted solely to Asian Art.

Through exhibitions of Asian art and artifacts and other cultural activities, it is hoped that a greater awareness will prevail in our community. The Center's welcoming environment enables visitors to interact with Asian art objects, providing the opportunity for comprehension of the rich diversity and long history of Asian cultures. As multicultural experiences are becoming more valuable in our rapidly changing world, the Lentz Center offers a unique opportunity to develop greater understanding.

Inspired by their many years of work and study in Asia, the initial endowment and basic collection were established by Professor and Mrs. Donald Lentz. First, they began collecting Asian musical instruments and then other Asian objects. Professor Lentz, an authority on Asian music, is the author of The Gamelan Music of Java and Bali. The Center is the realization of their deep commitments to Asian cultures and to the people of Nebraska.

Approval for the Center was given by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 1983. The museum was dedicated in 1986 at Morrill Hall and moved to Hewit Place in 2000.

Awards

Event of the Year Award for
"Arts of Tibet: Object and Performance"

05/17/04 Press Release – The Lentz Center for Asian Culture has been selected to receive special recognition for "Arts of Tibet: Object and Performance" via the "Event of the Year Award" (sponsored by Steve Nolan, Central Financial Services) at the 2004 Mayor's Arts Awards.

This three-part program brought several aspects of Tibetan culture to the community in 2003. An exhibition of Tibetan objects from the Lentz collections drew nearly 2,500 visitors. A highlight of the exhibition was the five-day construction of a mandala sand painting in the center of the gallery by nine visiting Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery.

This particular mandala was chosen by the Dalai Lama for the American people after September 11, 2001. Its purpose is to help to dispel anger. The monks also presented a Sacred Music and Dance program at Kimball Hall in honor of Velma Lentz and in memory of Professor Donald Lentz.

The Lentz Center, an interactive cultural museum established 18 years ago, is gaining a national reputation for its collections and events. The Center was nominated for the award by Robert Kuzelka. The award will be presented on June 2, 2004 at the 26th Anniversary of the Mayor's Arts Awards.