Celebrate an Asian American icon with talks, art activities, film screenings, a martial arts workshop, and much more.
Bruce Lee’s story is a quintessentially Asian American journey. Born in segregated San Francisco, Lee spent his youth in war-torn Hong Kong before embarking on a film and television career that popularized martial arts in the West. Breaking down barriers and bridging cultures at the dawn of Asian America, this global superstar helped to shape the very notion of Asian American identity.
Since his untimely death in 1973, Lee has been “immortalized as a prominent cultural icon” (San Francisco Chronicle) whose legend grows with his rediscovery by each new generation.
Bruce Lee Day at the Asian Art Museum brings fans of all ages together for a full day of events and activities celebrating the life and legacy of this inspiring figure.
Author Talk: Jeff Chang on Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America12:30 PM | The celebrated author of a new biography reflects on Lee’s cultural impact beyond the screen.
Pineapple Buns Tasting with AA Bakery1:30 PM | An iconic Chinatown bakery known for their Hong Kong–style pineapple buns offers a tasting of this beloved sweet.
Martial Arts Self-Defense and Grassroots Organizing Workshop with Asians Are Strong2 PM | Build safety and community with one of the Bay Area’s most engaged Asian American activist groups.
Live Podcast – “Worst Quality Crab” with Jeff Chang 3 PM | Bay Area arts and media icon Jeff Chang joins this podcast of Asian American stories and recipes to reminisce about formative childhood dishes and the role of food and cooking in his family history.
Film Screenings, Samsung Hall
10:30AM | “Enter the Dragon” (1973, 99 min.)
Lee’s visually dazzling final film is one the most influential action classics of all time. Recommended for ages 15+ due to violence/mature content.
3 PM | “The Big Boss” (1971, 115 min.)
Featuring Lee in his first starring role, this martial arts epic rocketed the actor to global stardom. Recommended for ages 15+ due to violence.
Mahjong at the Museum, Bogart Court
10:30 AM–4:30 PM | Learn Hong Kong rules and play all day!
Art Activities
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM | All-day Drop-in Art Activities
1:30 | Monthly Makers: Screen Print Bruce Lee Posters with Chinese Historical Society
Make your own posters courtesy of CHS’s mobile screen printing bicycles while learning about Lee’s impact on Asian American history.
Tours
11 AM | Dragon Storytelling, Pre-K
Join our enchanting storytellers for tales featuring the adventures of Chinese Dragons.11 AM | New Japanese Clay2 PM | Collection Tour
