Folk And Traditional Arts

Explore this tranquil Japanese-style garden that blends design elements from four classic garden styles. Cross an arched bridge and walk on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the teahouse.

General – $15, Seniors 65 and over and Students with ID – $11, Children (5 to 12 years) – $5, Descanso members and children under 5 – Free

Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturdays, 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m.

Scattered like stars across the night sky are over 20,000 Pacific Islands in Oceania, with a human history rich in ritual, narrative tradition, innovation, and art. Our mission is to incorporate the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands, with a focus on Micronesia, into a permanent collection, educational programs, rotating exhibits, and living arts.

Preview (opens in a new tab)

Adults – $5, Seniors and Students – $3, Members and Children under 12 – Free

This exhibit is our land acknowledgment practiced in a ceremony between Indigenous artists (Tongva & Pasifika) of the salt water. Humans have the responsibility and obligation to take care of and be part of the whole of nature. “It’s important for people to know that these are not gestural acts but a tradition of Indigenous communities sharing and extending respect, honor, and spirit.” – Cindi Alvitre, Tongva guest curator and artist.

Adults – $5, Seniors and Students – $3, Members and Children under 12 – Free

Coming together to partake in a meal is a practice shared by all cultures. Food defines us—we are what we eat. Dining with the Sultan is the first exhibition to present Islamic art in the context of its associated culinary traditions. It will include some 250 works of art related to sourcing, preparing, serving, and consuming food.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fridays 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Adults – $20, Seniors – $16, Members, Students, and Children – Free
Reserve a timed entry ticket online.
General admission is Free after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays

A narration of Chinese immigration to the U.S. with an emphasis on community settlement in Los Angeles. The exhibition is outlined into four distinct time periods, each period defined by a vital immigration law and event, accompanied by a brief description and a short personal story.

This is a recreation of a store housed in the Garnier Building in the 1890s. The Sun Wing Wo store opened in 1891 and remained in this building until 1948. The store was a multi-purpose space that showed how self-sufficient the Chinese were and had to be due to racism and discrimination while also being responsive to the needs of their community. Even though the store predominantly served the Chinese, people from every facet of society also came to purchase Chinese merchandise.

Curated by scholars of Chinese history and culture from the Shanghai Museum, this incredible collection portrays the evolution of Chinese art and culture. Journey back through 5000 years of Chinese history and follow the efflorescence of arts throughout one of the world’s oldest living civilizations.

Adults – $18, Seniors and Students – $15, Members and Children under 12 – Free

Experience exquisite masterpieces and dynamic objects from the vast and diverse Pacific Islands in this special exhibition. Spanning the geographic region collectively referred to as Oceania, this comprehensive exhibition highlights masterworks from the three cultural regions of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. The focus is on New Guinea, the land of the headhunter, and the rich artistic traditions infused into daily and ritual life.

Adults – $18, Seniors and Students – $15, Members and Children under 12 – Free