Historic Preservation

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

In 2019, Lawson answered more than 1,000 questions in his Story File so that future generations can continue conversing with him to learn about his legacy. What would you like to ask Lawson?

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.,
Thursday, 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
Adults – $16, Seniors and Youth – $9, Members and Children under 5 – Free

James Tadanao Sata created some of the most adventurous photographs made in America in the 1920s and ’30s. Abstract spheres and triangles, complex arrangements of figures and shadows, and spaces rich with deep and delicate tones emphasized geometric forms and conveyed newness, modernity, and irony. This exhibition comprises sixty photographs by Sata, photographs of Sata’s concentration camp paintings and drawings, and family artifacts from the camp.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
Adults – $16, Seniors and Youth – $9, Members and Children under 5 – 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.