5 Museums to Visit to Learn AAPI History

There’s so much to learn about the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) experience that isn’t always in our history books. For Museum Advocacy Days on February 27-28, 2023, we encourage you to visit some of California’s museums and learn from their exhibits about AAPI history.

Museum Advocacy Days were created to identify and advocate for funding and support from Congress that will benefit museums across the U.S. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.

1. The California Museum

1020 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

The California Museum is located in Sacramento. Currently, they have an exhibit called “California is in the Heart,” which underlines the critical role Filipino Americans have played in the state’s history. The exhibit will be open until April 30, 2023. Explore their website californiamuseum.org.

2. USC Pacific Asia Museum

46 N Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101

Located in Pasadena, the USC Pacific Asian Museum is both a public museum and a teaching and learning resource for the University of Southern California. It aims to create inspiring encounters with the art, history, and culture of Pacific Asia, to promote intercultural understanding. Visit their website pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu.

3. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

200 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

In the heart of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum has more than 18,000 artworks and is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asia art. Their mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures. Check out their website asianart.org.

4. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

404 3rd Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101

This museum is located in the heart of San Diego’s downtown Asian Pacific Historic District. Their mission is to create a deeper understanding of China and Chinese America through programs in education, culture, and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens the diverse San Diego community. Visit their website sdchm.org.

5. Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

695 Alamitos Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802

In Long Beach, the PIEAM aims to amplify the collective wisdom of the Pacific Islands people of Oceania. This is done through permanent collection, educational opportunities, rotating exhibits, and living arts. The museum’s purpose is to foster intercultural exchanges with appreciation and respect. Explore their website pieam.org.

Read similar articles:
3 New Laws Small Businesses in California Should Know
How to Write to Congress
What to Know During Data Privacy Week