Pacific Asia Museum

The Pacific Asia Museum is an art museum in Pasadena dedicated to works from Asia and Pacific regions, housed in a building designed in Chinese palace style. Its collection spans thousands of objects including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and textiles displayed across multiple galleries.

The building was constructed in 1926 by Grace Nicholson as a center for Asian art. After she donated it to Pasadena in 1943, the space eventually became a public museum that opened officially in 1971.

The name reflects a focus on diverse cultures spanning Asia and the Pacific, bringing together artistic traditions from across a vast region. Visitors experience how these different societies expressed themselves through art and craft over many centuries.

The museum welcomes visitors on several days each week during morning and afternoon hours. A typical visit takes one to two hours depending on your interest in the different collection areas.

The center of the complex features a traditional courtyard with a water pool and intricate stone carvings designed after authentic Chinese patterns. This quiet space offers visitors a retreat between viewing the galleries.

Location: California

Inception: 1924

Architects: Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury

Part of: University of Southern California

Phone: +16264492742

Email: info@pam.usc.edu

Website: https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

GPS coordinates: 34.14675,-118.14104

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45