A divine bird-man hero has landed in San Francisco, and his story is pure gold. The Asian Art Museum’s new exhibition, “Garuda in Bali,” brings to life the legendary adventures of Garuda — part bird, part man, the epitome of loyalty and courage, and the devoted winged companion of the Hindu god Vishnu.
From his birth as a precious egg to his fateful choice to carry Vishnu across the heavens, Garuda’s epic journey unfolds through stunning wooden sculptures and traditional paintings made by Balinese artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The works capture both the dazzling craftsmanship of Bali’s creators and the deep spiritual meaning of a protector deity who is still beloved in Indonesian culture today.
Now on view through January 4, 2027 in the Hambrecht Contemporary Gallery, the exhibition is a joyful invitation to slow down and get lost in a myth full of devotion, bravery, and beauty. Find the museum at 200 Larkin Street (open Thursday 1–8 p.m. and Friday through Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and let Garuda’s golden wings lift your spirit.
Photo: Asian Art Museum
