The first museum in Southern California dedicated to documenting the Chinese American experience and history, the Chinese American Museum is housed within the oldest surviving Chinese building in LA, the Garnier Building. Built specifically for use by the Chinese in the 1890s, the complex included shops, schools, temples, churches, and businesses as well as dances and theatrical performances. In fact, the location acted as an ad hoc center for the entire Chinese American community during its heyday until about the 1940s.
Some previous exhibits include James Wong Howe (1992); Early Chinese American Community in Los Angeles (1993); Brushstrokes of Old Chinatown (1994); Los Angeles Chinese American Veterans of World War II (1995); Gold Mountain Families: Discovering Chinese American Roots (1996); Portraits and Voices (1997); From Hearth to Heaven: Chinatown Living (1999); Chinese Americans in San Gabriel Valley (1999-2000); and Inspiring Lines: Chinese American Pioneers in the Commercial Arts (2001-2002).
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Tuesday through Sunday: 10am to 3pm
- Mondays: Closed
- Admission:
- General Admission: $3
- Seniors (60+) and Students with ID: $2
- Contact:
- Location: 425 North Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: 213-485-8567 or 213-485-8484
- Website: www.camla.org
