Japanese American National Museum
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 625-0414
Fax: (213) 625-1770
- Cross Street:
- First Street and Central
- Hours:
- Tue, Wed, Fri-Sun 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-5pm
Editorial Review for Japanese American National Museum – by Ryan Hill
The Scene
Two striking buildings comprise the museum: One is a beautifully restored former Buddhist temple, the other a contemporary glass structure designed by architect Gyo Obata. Both buildings have a sense of reverence, one for the past and the other for the present.
The Goods
The museum preserves the heritage of the Issei (first generation Japanese Americans). Belongings of Japanese Americans who were interned in California during WWII are displayed in the main pavilion, recalling the hardships of those trying years. The pavilion's tranquil rock and water garden offsets these stark images. Vintage photographs, archival documents and fine art by Japanese artists round out the rich collection. JANM also offers film screenings, readings and crafts classes.
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Insider Tips
When to GoAdmission is free every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm and all day every third Thursday of the month.
ParkingThe lot at the northwest corner of 1st and Central, across from the main museum entrance, is $3.25 for the whole day.
The ExtrasThe museum's gift shop, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, is a bright space of books, artist-made jewelry, ceramic ware, silk scarves, post cards and other Japanese- and museum-related finds.
User Reviews for Japanese American National Museum
03/24/2008 Posted by marpop
Went here recently during a visit to Little Tokyo and I am so glad I stopped by. The museum had a particular exhibit going on with mostly young artists and it was surprisingly modern and edgy. It's a very quiet museum (at least it was on a rainy Friday afternoon), but well worth a trip. It's pretty immaculate and the art speaks to any culture (I'm Mexican American) and the gift shop is great. Between this and the MOCA Geffen, which is literally a hundred feet away, there's lots of great art to appreciate in Little Tokyo!
06/15/2002 Posted by netter1
This museum can be an educational experience for almost anyone...even someone immersed in the 20th century history of Japanese Americans. Their changing exhibits always seem enlightening and there's always something interesting and fun for the children to do. Their small bookstore near the front of the museum always has an interesting selection of reading materials for the history or art buff. If you're so inclined to be a member or just get on their mailing list, you can expect to be invited to new exhibits, theatre performances and incredible concerts. Spend a Saturday in quiet downtown Los Angeles and hit all the museums...this one should be a requirement.
Pros: great exhibits
Cons: parking
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