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Chinese American Museum

Local HistoryArtHistoryClosed · Opens 10amFrom $3Union Station / Gateway Transit Center (Metro B, D & A Lines; Metrolink; Amtrak) — about a 10-min walk

The Chinese American Museum (CAM) opened in 2003 inside the Garnier Building, the oldest surviving Chinese-built structure in Southern California, on the site of LA's original Chinatown within the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. Permanent galleries trace Chinese immigration and community-building across Los Angeles, including a recreated 1890s general store and herb shop, alongside rotating exhibitions on Chinese American art, film and culture. It is one of the few museums in the country dedicated specifically to the Chinese American experience.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

425 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Nearest station: Union Station / Gateway Transit Center (Metro B, D & A Lines; Metrolink; Amtrak) — about a 10-min walk, DASH B bus (Chinatown/Union Station route) stops at El Pueblo

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Hours

MonClosed
Tue10:00–15:00
Wed10:00–15:00
Thu10:00–15:00
FriToday10:00–15:00
Sat10:00–15:00
Sun10:00–15:00

Admission

From $3

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The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA)

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Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

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GRAMMY Museum L.A. LIVE

Music32 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Chinese American Museum cost?
Standard adult admission to Chinese American Museum is $3. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Chinese American Museum?
Chinese American Museum is open Tue-Sun 10am-3pm, closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Adults $3 (seniors/students $2, members free); group tours of 10+ require booking 3 weeks in advance.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Chinese American Museum?
Chinese American Museum is located at 425 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, in the Downtown (El Pueblo / Chinatown) area of Los Angeles. The nearest stations are Union Station / Gateway Transit Center (Metro B, D & A Lines; Metrolink; Amtrak) — about a 10-min walk, DASH B bus (Chinatown/Union Station route) stops at El Pueblo.
What can I see at Chinese American Museum?
Museum on Chinese American history and culture, inside the 1890 Garnier Building at El Pueblo, the birthplace of Los Angeles. Current highlights include Seasons in Cosmos: Works by Diana Shuiu Wong, Origins: The Birth and Rise of Chinese American Communities in Los Angeles, Journeys.
Do I need to book Chinese American Museum in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Chinese American Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
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