Asia House was founded in 1996 as a non-profit organisation with the aim of promoting the appreciation and understanding of all aspects of Asian culture. From Iran in the west to Japan in the east, the northern Asian republics, and down to Indonesia, the continent's diversity of cultures is phenomenal. Educational programmes are offered to all, from schools to corporations, to foster communication between the peoples of Europe and Asia and learn artistic and other cultural skills indigenous to the continent.

The regular lectures, often highly specific in their subject matter, are delivered by the leading experts in their fields. Exhibitions tend to range stylistically from the traditional to the more contemporary; the balance is fair and interesting.

As one of the capital's most important independent pan-Asian charitable organisations, the place warrants not only an investigation, but repeated visits.