Visiting the Pacific Asia Museum

I love museums and visit them whenever I can. Yet, there’s always museums in the area that I haven’t been to. The USC Pacific Asia Museum was one such place. I was aware of it. I’d even driven by. But I had never stopped in. Until this week.

The Pacific Asia Museum is located in the heart of Pasadena in the historic Grace Nicholson building that dates to 1925. Inside you’ll find a wide variety of artwork of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Prior to visiting I expected the museum to be rather small but I was quite wrong. Inside there are several galleries housing both permanent and rotating exhibits. I was lucky enough to visit just before the close of Ralli Quilts: Contemporary Textiles from Pakistan.

The intricate details of these quilts is simply astonishing. It was so nice to be up close to them to really view their handiwork.

Now, I’m a kid at heart so when I see an interactive gallery I just have to take part. So I was very excited to stumble into the Snukal Ceramics Gallery.

Not only were there beautiful ceramic pieces on display but there were drawers to open!

Look at those treasures inside!

And don’t you love it when you’re requested to touch an item!

Aside from the works on display the museum also has a beautiful courtyard dating to 1929.

Think they’d mind if I just stayed?

It may have taken me a long time to make my first visit to Pacific Asia Museum but it won’t take me as long to make my second. I’ve stumble across a beautiful cultural institution and I will definitely be back.

Pacific Asia Museum

46 North Los Robles Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91101