Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Paula Swart is an art historian with expertise in Asian art, culture, and history, and has spent most of her professional life as a curator of Asian Studies. She is a lecturer in the Continuing Education Departments of the University of British Columbia where she has taught a series of courses related to UNESCO World Heritage. Paula holds degrees in Sinology, Asian art history, Chinese history, and archaeology, having spent two years studying in China. She speaks five languages, including Mandarin, and has published several books and numerous articles on the art and architecture of Asian cultures. A frequent contributor to the Arts of Asia magazine, which published “Visual Perspectives: A Mirror of Events in The Live of the Last Shogun” and  her most recent article “Kabuki Idols: The Star Power of the Ichikawa Danjuro Lineage” published in the 2023 Spring issue of Arts of Asia, discusses the popular Kabuki theatre tradition of Japan.

Paula has enjoyed introducing visitors to Asian culture and history for more than 30 years, having participated in well over 70 expeditions by train, ship or private jet.