Folk And Traditional Arts

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.

Liu Fang Yuan or the Garden of Flowing Fragrance, is one of the finest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China. Filled with Chinese plants and framed by exquisite architecture, the landscape is enriched with references to literature and art. Visitors can find both physical relaxation and mental stimulation when exploring the dramatic 15-acre garden.

Amid the San Fernando Valley lies an oasis – a 6.5-acre garden featuring three gardens in one. First, the Japanese Garden has a dry Zen meditation garden containing Tortoise Island, a three-buddha arrangement of stones, and a wisteria arbor at the end of the Plover Path. Next along the path is an expansive Chisen or “wet-strolling” garden with waterfalls, lakes and streams, abundant greenery, and stone lanterns, which were hand-carved by artisans in Japan. At the end of this path is the Shoin Building, which has an authentic tatami-mat teahouse and an adjacent tea garden.

Reservation is required; tickets are available on the website.

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

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

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