
USC Pacific Asia Museum
A charming museum showcasing Asian & Pacific art in a historic Chinese-style building, featuring a serene garden and interactive exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission often available

USC Pacific Asia Museum
Best Time
Free admission often available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming museum showcasing Asian & Pacific art in a historic Chinese-style building, featuring a serene garden and interactive exhibits.
"A charming encounter with Asian art, offering a peaceful escape and engaging exhibits for all ages."

Check Website for Closures
Always verify exhibit status online before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Embrace the Garden
Even if exhibits are closed, the serene courtyard and garden are a must-see. :seedling:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Courtyard & Garden
Central Courtyard
A peaceful oasis with ponds, decorative carvings, and a beautiful Wishing Tree. Perfect for reflection.

Silk Road Exhibit
Galleries
Interactive and engaging for all ages, featuring real artifacts that bring ancient trade routes to life.

Chinese-Style Architecture
Exterior and Interior
The historic Grace Nicholson Building itself is a stunning architectural marvel, reminiscent of a Chinese imperial palace.

Cai Guo-Qiang: A Material Odyssey
Galleries
Experience explosive art with gunpowder paintings and thrilling displays exploring the intersection of science and art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Renovations & Exhibit Closures
Free Admission Opportunities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Website for Closures
Always verify exhibit status online before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Embrace the Garden
Even if exhibits are closed, the serene courtyard and garden are a must-see. :seedling:
Kid-Friendly Activities
The Silk Road exhibit offers interactive fun for children. :child:
Architectural Gem
Admire the unique Chinese-style building, a historic landmark itself. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Website for Closures
Always verify exhibit status online before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
Embrace the Garden
Even if exhibits are closed, the serene courtyard and garden are a must-see. :seedling:
Kid-Friendly Activities
The Silk Road exhibit offers interactive fun for children. :child:
Architectural Gem
Admire the unique Chinese-style building, a historic landmark itself. :camerawithflash:
Free Admission Days
Look for special months with free entry, like AANHPI Heritage Month. :ticket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the USC Pacific Asia Museum for its beautiful architecture, tranquil gardens, and engaging exhibits like the Silk Road. It's noted as a peaceful escape and a family-friendly destination, though some have experienced disappointment due to unexpected exhibit closures during renovations.
"Most of it is under renovation so I only got to enjoy the central courtyard and Silk Road exhibit. The tranquil garden is free with two lovely ponds. It even as storms from lake Tai, makong me nostalgic for the bike rides and trail runs near that lake. The building itself is reminiscent of courtyards with stone stairwells in eastern China. The Silk Road exhibit is excellent and any child can spend an entire afternoon with interactive activities and real artifacts. It’s always a bit of a misnomer though as the horse is what drew sellers and buyers in Europe and Asia together through trading routes. I look forward to visiting when everything is done in the fall."
Owen
"This is an amazing museum. The main exhibit was closed when I went but they said it would be back up in the fall. However, they have a very nice outdoor exhibit and kids area aswell."
Paris Garcia
"Only one exhibit at this time. Garden area with Bonsai and Koi pond is beautiful and relaxing."
Linda Lewellen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA. It's accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. Public transportation options like bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, visitors can enjoy plenty of free parking at the museum, making it convenient for those driving.
While specific routes vary, Pasadena is served by various bus lines that can bring you close to the museum. Checking local transit schedules is recommended.
Driving is a common and convenient option, with free parking available. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services or explore public transit options via the Metro Gold Line to Pasadena, followed by a short bus ride or walk.
Pasadena offers many attractions, including Old Town Pasadena for shopping and dining, and the Norton Simon Museum, making it easy to plan a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically charged, but the museum often offers free admission during specific months, such as AANHPI Heritage Month in May, thanks to sponsors like Wescom Credit Union. Always check their website for current pricing and promotions.
It's advisable to check the museum's website for their ticketing policy. While some visitors have inquired about advance booking, it's best to confirm if reservations are required, especially for special events.
Yes, the museum frequently offers free admission during certain periods, notably for AANHPI Heritage Month in May. Keep an eye on their official announcements for these opportunities.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on operating days and times before your visit.
Yes, even during renovations, visitors can often access certain areas like the central courtyard and garden, which are beautiful and relaxing spaces. Some exhibits may also remain open.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the interactive Silk Road exhibit, the stunning central courtyard with its garden and ponds, and the unique Chinese-style architecture of the Grace Nicholson Building. Special exhibitions, like Cai Guo-Qiang's 'A Material Odyssey,' are also major draws.
Absolutely! The Silk Road exhibit is particularly engaging for children with its interactive elements and artifacts. The tranquil garden also offers a pleasant space for families.
The museum is housed in the historic Grace Nicholson Building, a beautiful Chinese-style mansion completed in 1924, featuring a central courtyard with a garden and decorative carvings. It's an architectural marvel in itself.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in public areas, but it's always best to check for any restrictions, especially for special exhibitions.
Visitors often describe the museum as charming, peaceful, and a space for solace and reflection, especially the central courtyard and garden.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Visitors are encouraged to explore the many dining options available in nearby Old Town Pasadena.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries to protect the artifacts. However, water bottles may be allowed in certain areas. It's best to consume any food or beverages outside the exhibition spaces.
Old Town Pasadena, just a short walk or drive away, offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining, catering to diverse culinary preferences.
Yes, the museum has a gift shop that offers beautiful artifacts and unique items, providing a great opportunity to take a piece of Asian and Pacific art home with you.
While there isn't a designated picnic area within the museum grounds, the surrounding Pasadena area has parks and public spaces where you might enjoy a picnic before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in public areas of the museum. However, specific exhibition rules may apply, so always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
The central courtyard with its tranquil ponds and the unique Chinese-style architecture of the Grace Nicholson Building are highly photogenic. The Wishing Tree in the garden is also a popular spot.
Tripods and professional photography equipment are typically not allowed without prior permission from the museum. It's best to contact the museum's administration in advance if you plan on professional shoots.
Yes, some exhibits, especially traveling or loaned collections, may have 'no photography' signs. Always respect these restrictions to protect the artwork.
The museum encourages visitors to capture the beauty of its architecture, gardens, and the cultural richness of its exhibits for personal memories and sharing on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during special events like Lunar New Year for an extra dose of fun and cultural immersion. Always check the museum's website for any temporary exhibit closures or special family-friendly programming to make the most of your visit.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Culture Seekers
The museum's mission to promote intercultural understanding through art makes it a valuable destination for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of global cultures. The peaceful ambiance, particularly in the courtyard, allows for contemplative engagement with the art and history presented.
📸 Photographers & Architecture Buffs
While personal photography is generally allowed, always be mindful of any restrictions on specific exhibits. The museum's unique aesthetic and cultural richness make it an excellent location for capturing memorable images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grace Nicholson Building: An Architectural Marvel
The building's design is not merely aesthetic; it aims to evoke a sense of place and cultural immersion. The central courtyard, complete with a small pool and meticulously maintained garden, offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into traditional Asian garden design. This architectural element is frequently highlighted by visitors as a peaceful sanctuary within the museum experience.
Visitors often remark on the building's unique charm and historical significance, noting that it's as much an attraction as the art it contains. The blend of historical architecture and diverse cultural exhibits makes the USC Pacific Asia Museum a truly special destination.
Exploring the Silk Road Exhibit
The exhibit features real artifacts that offer tangible connections to the past, allowing visitors to see and learn about the goods, cultures, and people who traversed these historic pathways. The interactive elements are particularly praised for keeping younger visitors entertained and educated, ensuring a memorable experience for children.
While the name 'Silk Road' might evoke images of silk alone, the exhibit often delves into the broader scope of trade, including the significance of horses in facilitating these exchanges between Europe and Asia. It's a comprehensive look at a pivotal period in global history.
Community and Cultural Celebrations
Events like Lunar New Year festivities are particularly popular, drawing crowds eager to experience traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, and beautiful cultural decorations. These occasions transform the museum into a lively hub of cultural immersion, offering visitors a chance to participate in rich traditions.
Furthermore, the museum plays a role in recognizing and celebrating Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. During this time, special programming and often free admission highlight the contributions and heritage of these communities, fostering intercultural understanding.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit