Folk And Traditional Arts

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

Experience a restored home and agricultural compound from 18th-century Japan that provides a glimpse into rural life 300 years ago. Built around 1700, this 3,000-square-foot residence was the center of village life in Marugame, Japan.

Check the website for ticket prices and advance reservations, which are required.

Feed our playful koi, stroll the winding pathways, view the Tea House, or reflect at the Zen Garden. Each season unfolds with colorful blossoms, exciting cultural celebrations, and intriguing exhibits.

No entry is allowed without a reservation; tickets are available on the website.

Tuesdays – Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

This Japanese garden features a light hill-scape, pond, cascading 25-foot waterfall, and a formal teahouse designed by Kinzuchi Fujii. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork, and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America.

Register in advance at the website.

Fridays and Saturdays 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Soundscapes, LAND’s programming series dedicated to experimental music and sound-based practices, continues on Saturday, June 15 with a performance by multidisciplinary artist Maral curated for LAND by Paulina Lara.

Maral’s sonic palette incorporates a collage of Iranian Classical & Folk samples and explores genres of experimental electronic production such as noise, punk/post-punk, and dub.

As part of Maral’s practice she mixes traditional and folk music and reimagines new spaces for these ancient melodies & sounds to live & grow. Creating a new future for them as well as continuing the tradition of passing down these melodies. She imagines how they would sound like in a punk, dub, or electronic band and lets the samples lead the way. She is jamming with her ancestors.

Khalil Nelson is your host for a guided tour of Bob Baker Marionette (BBMT) Theater on the occasion of the Theater’s 60th Anniversary and as it prepares to preview scenes from its first original production in 40 Years!

Tours include backstage, our fabrication workshop, and music and visual archives! Khalil will share the world of BBMT through the lens of the creation of our new scenes, as part of the current show and in preparation for a full production in 2025, Choo Choo Revue! Don’t miss it!

Go Behind the Scenes at Bob Baker Marionette Theater with Guided Tours Every Saturday and Sunday in June at 12 Noon! Reservations are required.

For more information email: hello@bobbakermarionettetheater.com

Parking:

The Theater does not have its own parking. Street and public lot parking is available nearby. Please leave yourself plenty of time.