City: Tulsa, OK

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (918) 747-9393

Address: 4770 S. Harvard Ave.

Description: The red columns, yellow tile roof, and ferocious Foo dogs are a dead giveaway. This isn’t Kansas—but it could be a typical temple in China. This is the entrance to the Richardson Asian Art Museum, founded by Dr. Jack L. and Joni Richardson.Dr. Richardson, an orthopedic surgeon and former chief of staff at Tulsa’s St. John’s Hospital, developed a passion for Asian art while on his tour of duty during World War II. He collected pieces for over 50 years—sculpture, furniture, glassware, temple items—over 1,000 pieces in all. Many of these are on display here, including a number of jade items in various shades and colors, including a rare red jade figure There are some fine examples of cloisonné and a striking statue of Kwan Yin. A Japanese wedding gown is one of the few pieces from that country.You have to look closely for the driveway to the museum. The temple entrance is not obvious from the road. The museum is open Thurs through Sun, with no admission charge. Check the hours on the Web site and consider calling ahead.