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Japanese American National Museum
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Downtown
369 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-0414
369 East 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-0414
- Hours:
Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
57 reviews for Japanese American National Museum
Use your KCRW card if you have one for a discount!
I've been coming here a lot lately because of the exhibits they've held in the past year. 2 of them for Mike Shinoda and the last one for Giant Robot.
Overall its a great place for exhibitions. Check out the store if you can, they have tons of fun little trinkets as well as cool limited edition art pieces.
One of my favorite LA museums, the Japanese American National Museum is a beautiful new structure housing wonderfully created objects reflective of the nature of the unique Japanese American. The permanent collection documents their struggle to break through rampant racism to gain a foothold of success as true Americans. With regular changeovers of temporary exhibits, we caught the recent Glorious Excess (Dies) exhibit of Mike Shinoda who took us for a viewing of his current depiction of our obsession with celebrity culture, unchecked consumerism and fascination with excess. I'm not into general excess or obsessions so no, I didn't bid on the "Icon" Honda motorcycle though it would've looked killer in my driveway.
We also saw the Kokeshi folk art exhibit of the curious and fun (mostly) wood carvings so "iconic" of Japan, with dolls representing everything from the cutest child to the ancient farmer to....what's that? A bat? Anyway, there's enough here to titillate the senses of anyone with a central nervous system (I'd hope).
While visiting, be sure to catch the "Go For Broke" monument about half a block north and read how these brave, young American Japanese carved a heroic and bloodied niche in the archives of American military history (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
P.S., Glorious Excess (Dies) is now dead.
This place is awesome. Every 2nd Saturday Target sponsors them so admission is free and they provide activities for kids and large children like me. Parking across the street is pretty cheap ($6.50).
I came here during two really good exhibits, one by Mike Shinoda and a contemporary folk art exhibit. Their permanent exhibit on the timeline of Japanese Americans in the US is badass as well. The curators are so legit, some having experienced the internment camps first hand.
Keep on the look out for them handsome Japanese fellas too. They lurk around downstairs. :D
One of my favorite museums of all time. No exaggeration, people. This place is fantastic.
One of the main reasons: Docents. Very helpful and kind.
I highly recommend JANM... please visit if you have the chance.
We were lucky enough to get in for free this past weekend, in part because the 1st annual Tanabata Festival was going on. Nisei Week celebrates the Japanese culture and community, and there was a nice crowd right outside the museum checking out the street vendors.
We didn't spend too much time inside, but it was great exploring the exhibits and learning a little bit about history, especially the camps during WWII. There was also the Kokeshi exhibit, which pays tribute to the traditional Japanese folk toy that has different shapes, colors, and facial expressions.
Inside and out, the building itself is a beauty for all those who appreciate modern architecture. Depending on the exhibits, I definitely want to return and spend more time in the museum. If I go hungry while exploring, there's nothing to worry about with all the good eats around Little Tokyo.
I will get my criticisms out of the way first: the main exhibit is disjointed and hard to follow, and the gift shop is full of stuff you can get across the street in Japantown. If they had more museum-centric works, like reproductions of art, and posters, we would have bought something to support the museum.
We happened to catch the exhibit by the Linkin Park guy, Mark Shinoda, "Glorious Excess (Dies)." It was ok; no more revealing than the usual "celebrities are glorified and brand names are all BS" exhibit, by yet another rich celebrity who can afford to be disaffected. It's very "pop art" graphic oriented. It seemed rather self indulgent.
The rest of the museum was wonderful. It's a glorious space, with soaring ceilings, lovely wood work, and muted tones. The staff are gracious. I was struck by the similarities to the Holocaust exhibits I've seen, and it made me feel sad, for all the people who are persecuted and treated as subhuman, and for what was taken away from the Japanese. We have friends whose parents were in the internment camps, and I have family members who survived concentration camps. In the end, we are all the same, humbled by the avarice and hatred of mankind.
I loved the Kokeshi exhibit. If the dolls weren't hundreds of dollars, I'd buy one! i loved the knitted dolls, I'm thinking I can make one at home. I don't think I'd make one four feet tall, however.
The museum isn't big, it doesn't take a long time to visit. I think it respectfully and artistically documents the persecution of the Japanese in the U.S, and rejoices in the accomplishments and growth of the community.
Clean modern structured building.
A little piece of Japanese American history.
Small but packed with enough documented imagery and info.
Permanent collection upstair begins with an actual (mock) barrack/ shack that housed the Japaneses at the concentration camps. (see photo)
If you haven't been here, it's worth a visit at least once.
Dropped by last week to see the current Kokeshi folk toy exhibit.
Super Dope!
LOL, the Kogi truck was there too. =)
Free Thursdays after 5pm.
Paid lot across the street, $ 5-7 bucks.
Or look for street parking, READ SIGNS!!
I went to doa project for school at this pla e and I have never been here in my enire life , and I live so close to it. I was pretty amazed at everything in the exhibits and for one I learned quite a bit of stuff and history about the Japanese Americans in the 1940's or was it 1950's
Anyway, lets get down to bussiness, when you go into the double doors, you go up to the counter where you pay. It is only $5.00 for students if you show your school ID. So this is way cheap, a place to go and see new things.
The place is a little bit small but either than that they have printed writing about each picture and what is it and who gave it.
It is a must see ! :) For people that really don't know much about Japanese history.
What an incredible resource. I've been saying that about this museum since I discovered it back before the Pavilion was built (10 years ago) and I've been a member for nearly as long.
I renew that membership every year at Nisei Week - and consider this place to be part of the heart and memory of Little Tokyo. (Visit the Little Tokyo Cultural Center too - this part of Los Angeles, is small, but dense in Good.)
The permanent collections describe, outline and document the experience of being Japanese in Los Angeles (and to a smaller extent, the entire US) during WWII in a way no other place or media has touched. You can *walk* inside an actual barracks used to house people at a concentration camp (yes, we did this in the US - to our own citizens, based on race during WWII - did you know that?) - you can see mock ups of a post office, handle letters, read the newspapers and letters home (and to congress)...see the dirt.
See the culture. The pride. The determination.
And then feel it from the docents and administrative staff for this facility. I have never met a single person in all those years who did not make me feel immediately welcome and cherished. If I've had a bad day - I go here (yeah, even considering the focus of the permanent displays) and I've never been disappointed.
This past weekend, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of the new Pavilion - and they threw the doors open wide for everyone.
I just love this place. I'd give it a big hug if I could.
The JANM presented, "Pair Work: Celebrating Japanese Heritage in Contemporary Music".
Antares Boyles, on the flute, and Rory Cowal at the piano. The duo played works by Tokuhide Niimi, Michio Kitazume, Toshio Hosokawa, Toshi Ichiyangi, Ken Ueno, Joji Yuasa, my nephew David van Gilluwe,and Ryan Tanaka.
This concert was for new Japanese Heritage composers.
As a Japanese-American myself, I would say that I am personally touched when we come here. I take pride in my ancestry and don't get a chance to experience much of it except when visiting my grandparents. My husband is as anglo as you can get but he was also moved by the beauty. I highly reccomend this palce. Everytime I go, i feel as though i leave with more love, honor, respect and pride than i came with.
I brought my parents here, and they loved it. Though small, the Japanese American Museum packs a punch. Yes, my eyes even got teary at points. The JANM is a definite must see for both tourists and residents of L.A.. Check it out!
Great place to learn what it was like to be Japanese in the USA during WWII. I hope they expand their exhibits to show all the contributions JAs have made over the years to this country.
This museum was engineered with so much respect, love and healing. The experiences of Japanese Americans during their encampment is exhibited through the many personal donations and stories on display. During one of my visits, I spent an hour just reading letters written by those imprisoned.
The first visit, I was lucky to have my own personal tour guide, a Japanese friend who's parents and grandparents lived through the ordeal. The last time that I visited, one of the staff members gave me a personal tour. It was so intense to hear his personal experiences from the time when he was required to report to the assembly right outside the now corner of the museum, to his new life in the camps and to the day when he was released and came back to a home that was destroyed by looters. Usually, many of the elders do not openly talk about their relocation, so I was truly bless that day to have found him.
I highly recommend everyone to come and see this museum! I'm a proud member and there is never a trip to so. cal that does not include a visit to this place. I always leave feeling that whenever the US has singled or targeted a certain ethnic or culture, the shame of it echoes throughout history.
One of my favorite museums and it's right there in Little Tokyo! I had to venture here for a class in college and I brought 2 friends to enjoy it with me.
Amazing history of Japanese Americans is presented there and they had exquisite exhibits, It made me want to learn more and more. The one exhibit that I still remember to this day is George Nakashima's exhibit.
What I also loved is that we also participated in origami making while there. So I enjoyed that interaction and plus I love love love origami :P
I hope to visit again sometime in the future.
NAME: Japanese American National Museum
TYPE OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE: A museum specializing in the history of the Japanese American
ADDRESS: 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
PHONE: 213-625-0414
GENERAL LOCATION: North side of 1st Street at the intersection of 1st and Central
HOURS:
Museum Hours Tu, W, F, St, Sn: 11-5; Th: 11-8
Museum Store: T-Sn: 11-5; Th: 11-8
WEBSITE: http://www.janm.org/
RESERVATIONS: For schools free on Thursdays: 213-625-0414
REVIEW: "We share the story of Japanese Americans because we honor our nation's diversity. We believe in the importance of remembering our history to better guard against the prejudice that threatens liberty and equality in a democratic society. We strive as a world-class museum to provide a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture.
"We promote continual exploration of the meaning and value of ethnicity in our country through programs that preserve individual dignity, strengthen our communities, and increase respect among all people. We believe that our work will transform lives, create a more just America and, ultimately, a better world."
If you are at all interested in the Japanese American experience, here is the place where you will find that history enshrined. You owe it to yourself to visit at least once, and explore Little Tokyo -- something not to be missed!
PAYMENT: Membership subscription, general admission (Adults $8.00, Seniors [62+] $5.00, Students, Children [6-17] $4.00, Children under 5 and museum members free) at the door. Free general admission every third Thursday of the month from 5-8 pm.
PARKING SITUATION: There are several pay lots adjacent to the museum as well as metered street parking.
wonderful museum exploring the lives of japanese americans through history and today.
not to be missed for those who are interested both in local history and national history.
amazing architecture.
Truly beautiful Museum! Any visit to Little Tokyo, or Los Angeles for that matter, warrants a visit here. The experience will warm your heart, educate your mind, and bring a tear to your eye!
Thank You for the great work JANM!
Visiting this museum was well-worth it for me. I'm not Japanese, so I wondered how a visit to the JANM would resonate with me. I was not expecting the experience to feel so relatable or touching or emotional. But I was wrong.
It was a moving experience, reading old letters exchanged between husband and wife...one in an Internment Camp while the other fights in the frontlines of WWII. Fighting prejudice at home and Nazis in Europe. It was frustrating and infuriating to read internal government documents attempting to justify its blatantly wrong actions. The group photos of whole neighborhoods, where no men are present because they've all been rounded up to Camps or volunteered to serve in the military, were powerful images of how entire communities were impacted in those years. Shots of little children, holding on to their stuffed toys, crying and clinging to their mothers...that was just plain sad.
The museum covers much more than the Internment experience. It gives a very revealing glimpse into Immigration and the draw that America has had (and still has) on immigrants seeking a better life. It also shows the challenges, both for the immigrant and the native. As a child of immigrants, the museum helped me to enter into my parents shoes a bit. The fear, mixing with the hope, seasoned by the uncertainty.
The JANM sheds light on an aspect of our country's history that is woefully underexposed. Its enduring message, however, isn't one of militancy or disgruntlement or anger or despair. It's one of perseverance, optimism, and strength through community. That's perhaps its most important contribution. Check it out when you're in town.
I came here a few years ago with a friend who was visiting L.A. for the first time. She is Japanese-American and has family members who were imprisoned during World War II, so the exhibit about the internment camps had a huge emotional effect on me. I probably would have felt similary even without her there, as that period of American history is particularly painful in my mind, as my dad and grandparents knew people who were also imprisoned and lost almost everything.
As a whole, the museum does a good job with its limited space. I got a little bored, but that was mainly because we spent too much time here. I don't remember what the featured exhibit was when I was here, but it was interesting, and I've heard from other people that they do a good job with what they bring in. All in all, it's a hidden gem downtown.
I spent this past Sunday afternoon here, while in Little Tokyo for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The museum has two facets:
1) A permanent exhibit chronicling the history of Japanese Americans
2) Changing exhibits relating to Japanese and Asian Americans
The permanent exhibit was very well done, and extremely moving. Even though I'm not of Japanese ancestry I found myself fighting back tears while tracing the tragic events of the internment. It was humbling, especially for me given that I really knew so little of this national tragedy. I was shocked to learn how little of the story is taught in elementary and secondary school history classes. I can recall from my schooling a brief mention of the events, however they were qualified as being for the protection and welfare of Japanese and Japanese Americans. Something I'm embarrassed to say is an outright lie taught to our nation's youth.
I highly recommend a visit to the museum, especially for those unconnected with or unfamiliar with the details of the internment (especially history teachers). Seeing photographs of actual families involved, and reading the words of those affected gives a perspective one cannot gain without a physical visit to the museum.
The temporary exhibit at the time I went was entitled "one way or another" and was a collection of selected contemporary art pieces by Asian American artists. It was unique in that it involved artists from around the country, who represented many different Asian American cultures...even including south Asian and and Middle Eastern artists.
The pieces featured in "One way or another" were all unique, striking, and in some cases very bizarre. Some concerned Asian identity, and others did not. Their forms were as different as their subject matter, with many installation and site specific pieces. Additionally, the guided tour was excellent in that the tour guide encouraged extensive discussion among the tour participants.
There is something about this museum that makes me want to become more involved with my heritage. I am 100% Japanese American, fourth generation. I grew up eating a little non-fishy sushi, burgers, pizza and spaghetti. I wish I had a better memory when it comes to history and culture.
I've gone here about twice a year for the past 3 years. I've enjoyed each visit. I think my goal will be to go alone one of these days, so I can just spend a couple hours trying to learn more about my history and what my mom and Grandparents went through.
I think it's hard for me to get focused enough to visit and appreciate this type of place often. This museum is beautiful and always pleasant to visit.
I went here for the Murakami exibit. It took me so long to come down and see it, but i was so glad that i did! Murakami is the same guy who did the cover for Kanye West's latest album, so you can imagine how the exibits were: effing amazing and totally twisted.
i wish i lived there.
parking was a whole 6 bucks in the janky little lot across the street. after the exibit, my friends and i walked down to this little japanese restaurant (i forgot the name) which had a B in the window (which are better cooks for some reason!) and i got the best Katsudon I've had since living in Japan. now, i just went crazy when we visited the little japanese market area, buying up everything i could remember the names of.
i'd go back for another exibit, and do everything all over again times two =)
Picture this:
You've work hard all your life to provide for your family.
You've raised your kids to follow the American Way.
Then one day, people of your heritage* - people you don't even know or care to know - attack your country... and before you know it, you're ordered by your government (the one whose wages you pay by lawfully paying your taxes) to give up all your belongings - your house, your appliances, your business - to "evacuate."
* Thanks for that word, ruth I.!
Over the course of your life, you've proven time and time and time again that you are loyal to America, but despite everything you've done and pledged, your ethnicity is all that matters.
That's what happened when Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on February 19, 1942 - two months after the Japanese Imperial Military attacked Pearl Harbor.
Without due process, Japanese Americans were stripped of the lives they've built and of the possessions they cherished as they were rounded up and imprisoned in the middle of 'No Man's Land,' behind barbed-wire fences and with machine guns pointed at them.
Your wife, your children, your parents and your neighbors... you watch them all suffer from not only humiliation, but also from the exposure to the harsh desert environment.
Then on another day, the older of your teenage son tells you that he and his peers are volunteering to join the American Military. Despite the fact that your family has been wronged in the most egregious way by America, your son says he wants fight those who attacked America.
Your heart breaks into a million pieces because now your son will be making a tougher sacrifice than you did.
And your boy and his pals fight with great honor, tremendous courage and incredible skill - that by the end of it all, his Nisei unit - 100th Battalion / 442nd Regimental Combat Team (aka "the Katonks and the Buddhaheads") has become the most decorated unit in the American Military, earning the moniker "The Purple Heart Battalion."
This is what the Japanese Americans went through. And that's why this museum is important.
This one is for my peeps. I have to admit I had not been to this museum since it first opened in the early 1990's since I live in SF, but I'm glad to see that it's still is a great and vital place to learn something about Japanese-American history.
With an auditorium, conference rooms and an extensive resource library, it's more than a museum, but that's what you go for here. I happened upon it as they have their "Ansel Adams at Manzanar" exhibit, which certainly shows the master photographer at the peak of his craft.
Lots of vivid images and not just from Adams as there are a number of photos and home movies that capture Japanese-American life in the past decades. Needless to say, the major focus is on the WWII internment camps (one of which my dad and his family was placed), but equally interesting is the history of the pioneering isseis (first-generation Japanese-Americans).
The $8 admission seems like a pittance to me, and I think the exhibits hold interest beyond merely my ethnic group. There's a great gift shop, too.
We go to the JA National Museum whenever we're in LA.
I love that it is located in the heart of "Little Tokyo"
nearby the old (and late, great) Far East Cafe where
we had hundreds of meals and all the shops I remember
growing up with.
I'm sorry I missed the "Hapa" exhibit but we were lucky enough to be
in town for the fabulous Boyle Heights exhibit. We took my mom
who has Alzheimer's but remembers her childhood in Boyle Heights
quite well. We recognized some friends and relatives in the historic
shots.
Their exhibit on the "Internment" camps is moving. I especially like
the historic movie footage from different families, the memorabilia
from the camps, photos and stories of families in the camps.
Wonderful GIFT SHOP:
Fantastic books for adults and kids, clothing and great tee shirts
(Got Rice? Got Sushi? Urusai! along with other sayings we JA's
heard growing up. Nice jewelry, key chains, knickknacks, and even
Soldier dolls from the 442nd regiment.
Sad/Funny footnote. Whenever we take my mom there we show her
our son's and her other grandchild's name in the courtyard along with other children.
We also show her and my late dad's name on
a huge wall plaque in the lobby. I always point out that it is on the
same wall as Wells Fargo. And even though she doesn't remember
anything about the donations she always replies with a laugh,
"Gosh, I guess dad and I donated a lot of money!"
This is a gorgeous building - light, airy, spacious, with tons of glass, polished granite, and wood giving an astonishingly peaceful vibe to a museum that is largely devoted to one of the worst civil rights violations in American history - the mass incarceration of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans - the majority of them American-born citizens, the rest of them prevented BY LAW from becoming American citizens by virtue of several Asian Exclusion Acts enacted by xenophobic people of another era.
But you're not reading this for a lecture, you just want to know, why should I go to this place?
It's got important permanent collections, including a wooden barrack that will give you an idea of just how primitive some of these buildings were, as well as artifacts, historical articles, and examples of what internees (or prisoners, if you like) were allowed to carry with them into their concentration camps (they could only bring what they could carry).
There are also a variety of programs, including play readings, improv and sketch comedy, story-telling hours, art projects, and various family-friendly things to do with the kids. There are screenings of films, and at the moment, there's a gorgeous exhibit of 54 photos taken by Ansel Adams at Manzanar, the first (of many) internment camp, just about five freeway hours from LA. Here's a link to an LA Times article about the current exhibit: http://www.calendarliv...
There's a great gift shop, filled with a variety of beautiful things, arts, crafts, clothing, and best of all, books.
Right in the middle of Little Tokyo, it's bounded by the Geffen Contemporary, East West Players, and the many restaurants of Little Tokyo, so you can make a day trip of it, using the Museum as the centerpiece. You don't have to be JA to find this place a great visit - just a human being with an appreciation for history, America, and democracy.
The beautiful new building is a wonderful welcome into Little Tokyo if you're coming off Alameda onto First, and is an impressive structure next to MOCA Griffin. So beautiful, in fact, that area is frequently used for commercials of different varieties.
It's a great place to get some perspective of the Japanese-American story most of us may or may not be aware of. Docents are very dedicated and nice people, the gift shop is great, and the people who work there in general are very kind. Their changing exhibits are also well-curated.
My biggest qualm with them is that they have such an amazing collection, but that's largely underutilized and not made aware to the public. All the same, it's a place worth going.
The Japanese American National Museum is definitely one of the places to visit if you're in the Los Angeles area. I'd rank it up there along with the LA Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Tolerance, and perhaps even the Peterson Automotive Museum while you're at it. As museums go, it's not as large as others, but it sure propagates a message of understanding that needs to be experienced and not just read about in a newspaper or online. In the JANM's case, seeing is believing.
The last time I was here, I saw the Isamu Noguchi visit. I missed the Hapa exhibit, though. Powerful stuff. Anyway, all the exhibits have been great. I'm sure anyone can find something to relate to or find fascinating here. Heck, you don't even need to be Japanese or even part Japanese to enjoy this place.
The gift shop is a must also. They have a great variety of stuff that just cries out to be purchased. If I had a couple extra thousand dollars, I'd have bought one or two of Toshiko Takaezu's ceramics pieces...IF. Anyway, this place is great. The price of admission is low considering everything you're exposed to in the museum. The memory of your visit alone is priceless.
Quick plug: After your visit, stop by the rest of Little Tokyo for a bite to eat. Personally, I like going to T.O.T.
Entertainment Book discount.
Focus on early immigrants, xenophobia, internment and recent political activity. Good stuff, pics, artifacts.
Also had a killer temp art exhibit called "The Machine".
This is a great museum that largely goes unnoticed. They have had an ongoing exhibition for the past few years, "Common Ground: The Heart of Community" that everyone should check out at least one time. It's an overview of Japanese American people in this country. Largely focused on the late 1800'2 through World War II, you will find many artifacts and stories of those who were placed into the internment camps. There is part of an actual barrack from the Heart Mountain concentration camp that people actually lived in. It's amazing and tremendously sad that people were forced to live under those conditions. And these were AMERICAN citizens who were forced into this situation by fear and stupidity. This exhibit will bring tears to your eyes and pull at your heartstrings.
The JANM was also the only local museum to exhibit artifacts from 9/11. This was also a very powerful and moving tribute to those who lost their lives and those who did everything possible to help and rescue people who were caught in the Twin Towers. It was amazing to see how much devastation occurred during this tragic period in American history. The stories of people affected was also gut wrenching.
There is currently an exhibit of the Morita family, which commemorates the life of Akiro Morita, co-founder of Sony.
With Nissei Week right around the corner, do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven't already.
Beautiful building. Small collection, but sometimes it's important stuff to just reflect on how quickly ones civil liberties are taken away, even if you say that you are a US citizen, whisked away in the night, disappear from your family courtesy of the Feds; yes, Guantanamo is greeting your nightmare because bushes and rummys are so full of suspicion. Watch what you say on any medium....aaaaahhhh don't take me away...i am innocent, just the color of my skin ain't pastry.
You can arrange a luncheon in one of their plain meeting rooms on a Sunday and arrange an educational or community meeting here. I believe there are a fair amount on fund raising events that can be held in this centrally located, beautiful lobby space. People are apt to think...meh...downtown LA, but really....pursue more of these unique locales for a change of venue (from a blah hotel with INFLATED prices for food and arranging). Lots of work, but well worth it for the cause.
Betcha never thought people would be carted off with the swift flick of a polio'd Rooseveltian signature...It's happening now, courtesy of bushwankers.
Also recommend for web friendly, free info:
http://www.calisphere....
I visited the Japanese American National Museum awhile back for the Noguchi exhibit (the Noguchi table is going in my living room one of these days so I'll finally stop salivating for it on DWR's website) but stayed for the exhibit focusing on the internment camps during the war. Maybe I'm a sap, but I did tear up a bit when I saw this exhibit. It's wonderfully done and very informative.
The museum is a wonderful place to learn more about the history of Japanese Americans, and the admission price is low - only $8 for adults and $4 for students. Plus, it's free on Thursdays from 5-8PM!
I remember back when the JANM was located in the smaller building and the space where the current galleries of the museum housed an actual barrack from one of the Camps, for some reason I remember it being from Gila River or Topaz. But I might be wrong.
I frequented the JANM quite often during my middle school and high school days, getting my parents to make the drive from our home in Orange County. It seems like just about every class project that was relevant had to do with my J-A background.
Anyways, the new building is beautiful, much larger, and houses quite a variety of great collections and exhibits. Kip's Hapa one a few months back was great, bringing back memories of my days with various college groups when I was a student. And it was the first time I was there in a few years, when I previously spoke at a conclave.
All in all, its a great museum, and it makes me even prouder of my heritage.
Fantastic place to review japanese history in the United States. Lots of actual artifacts including the parts of the actual concentration camp building and various artifacts donated by the older generations. A must for any person interested in Japanese history or appreciates history in general. Walking distance to and from Little Tokyo along side with MOCA museum makes this small place a gem in the heart of Los Angeles.
While I was there, I was fortunate to view a showing of various kimonos and flower arrangements. I spoke with a few of the elder folks that were there at the time and thanked them for showing our heritage so all can appreciate it. Hope on your visit, you will too.
This is a gorgeous facility. I wish that more museums (Asian American and otherwise) would have functional and aesthetically positive layouts like the JANM.
I was at the museum for a conference and there were multiple rooms for meeting, prepping and for large crowds. The exhibitions were well put together & the Kip Fulbeck 100% Hapa presentation was awesome.
If you have an interest in Asian American I would encourage you to check out the museum. Definitely a space worth appreciating.
I have been here twice, and both times i've cried. I loved the exhibit, "Part Asian, 100% happa," by Kip Fulbeck.
Some of the artifacts I saw, and letters i read made me realize how hard it must have been for the Japanese. For a brief second I could see almost see these people in the camps while everything they owned were stripped away from them.
If you want to learn some history, this is the place to go.
Yeah, this is one of the best museums in los angeles. It's beautiful, and knowledge of our past is something that helps us all move forward. Everyone should visit at least once.
I really enjoy visiting the Japanese American National Museum. I went this weekend and saw Kip Fulbeck's part asian - 100% hapa exhibit.
http://www.janm.org/ex...
The first part consists of Polaroids of multiracial individuals. They were all asked to answer the question 'What are you?'. The pictures are beautiful and the responses are really touching. I sensed a great deal of pain and sadness from the older generations - and more pride and strength from the younger ones. And at the end, you can take your own Polaroid and write your own story and add it to the walls.
I would highly recommend taking the time to go see this exhibit if you are interested in people's stories and backgrounds.
Calendar of Events
August 2006
http://www.janm.org/ev...
All programs are free for Museum members and free with admission for non-members, unless otherwise noted. Reservations are required for all programs. Seating is limited. Please call 213-625-0414 to make reservations. Events are subject to change.
