USC Pacific Asia Museum to Undergo Seismic Retrofit, Will Close to Public for at Least 10 Months

An important Pasadena institution will close its doors to the public for almost a year as its iconic 1924 building undergoes seismic retrofitting to strengthen its foundation.

USC Pacific Asia Museum on North Los Robles Avenue just south of Union Street will close to the public beginning June 27, 2016 and is expected to reopen in May 2017, officials announced.

The seismic work will be complemented with construction of  approximately 700 square-feet of gallery space.

“As we take this time to reinforce the Museum’s physical building, we will also use this opportunity to deepen our understanding of our collection, and strengthen our connections to our audiences via an exhibition on the USC campus and events throughout the community,” said director Christina Yu Yu.

Additionally, Yu Yu said the curatorial department will conduct a permanent collection survey, which expectedly will allow the Museum to conceive of new exhibitions and programs for the future that focus on the Museum’s holdings.

USC Pacific Asia Museum is Southern California’s only museum exclusively devoted to the arts of Asia and the Pacific, and the only U.S. university museum dedicated to the subject.

USC Pacific Asia Museum’s iconic venue was constructed by pioneering collector and entrepreneur Grace Nicholson as her residence, galleries, and Treasure House/emporium. The remarkable building, a California State Historical Landmark and on the National Registry of Historical Places, follows the Imperial Palace courtyard style used in the construction of major buildings in Beijing, China. Nicholson ensured every detail was correct by having the roof tiles, stone and marble carvings, and bronze and copper work imported directly from China, or faithfully executed by Pasadena-area craftsmen, following plans and photographs of authentic Chinese examples.

In 1943 Nicholson donated the building to the City of Pasadena for art and cultural purposes, with the stipulation that she would retain her private rooms until her death. She shared the building with the Pasadena Art Institute until she passed away in 1948.

In 1954, the Pasadena Art Institute changed its name to the Pasadena Art Museum and occupied the building until 1970, when it moved to its new location at Orange Grove Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard and became the Norton Simon Museum.

The Pacificulture Foundation moved into the building in 1971. In 1987 the Foundation bought the structure and became the Pacific Asia Museum. In November 2013 the Museum partnered with the University of Southern California to become the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

During the impending closure, the Museum will present a slate of programs throughout the community, as well as a satellite exhibition at USC. Information on these public presentations will appear on the Museum’s website and social media platforms, with the hash tag #USCPAMOntheTown.

The Satellite Exhibition is called “China Trade: Global Market & Chinese Ceramics.” It will run March 2 through August 6, 2017 at Doheny Library, University Park Campus, University of Southern California.