USC Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91101
One of the few institutions in the US dedicated to the art and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum holds thousands of art objects spanning more than 5,000 years of history. The museum building resembling a Chinese imperial palace is almost as noteworthy as the collections, which range from Japanese paintings from the Edo Period to South Pacific bark cloths and Buddhist art from throughout Asia.
The basics
The museum collections give a sweeping tour of Asian and Pacific Islander accomplishments in both fine and ancient art through the ages. In addition to the paintings and bark cloths, visitors will find woodblock prints and modern graphic designs from Japan, Neolithic ceramics and jade jewelry from China, and rare displays of Buddhist sculptures from Vietnam.
If you’re after a more in-depth visit, the museum offers docent-led tours that require reservations at least three weeks ahead of time. In addition, the museum holds spotlight talks for specific works of art on weekends.
Things to know before you go
Make reservations for docent-led tours with the online form on the museum website.
All public museum spaces are wheelchair-accessible; a limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All special exhibition videos are closed-captioned.
The museum has fully accessible parking and restrooms with a changing station.
Seniors and students with IDs receive discounts on admission.
Kids 17 and under, as well as all USC students, faculty, and staff, enter for free.
How to get there
The museum lies off of Colorado Boulevard in the heart of Pasadena. You can drive and park for free in the museum parking lot on the corner of Los Robles Avenue and Union Street, or take the Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park Station and walk the remaining half-mile (.8 kilometers).
When to get there
The USC Asia Pacific museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and closes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays. Visit on the second Sunday of each month for free admission, or on a Thursday for “pay as you wish” admission. Spotlight talks are typically held on Sundays and Saturdays and are free with admission.
The museums of Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena, where the USC Pacific Asia Museum sits, is home to an array of compelling attractions, from the community-geared Armory Center for the Arts to upscale shops and restaurants along pedestrian-friendly streets and historic alleys. To explore Old Pasadena after visiting the museum, walk west along Colorado Boulevard to Raymond Avenue, the heart of the district.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!