05/08/2026
In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the story of the USC Pacific Asia Museum building:
In 1924, Grace Nicholson hired Pasadena architectural firm Marston, Van Pelt and Maybury to translate her vision into a building. Her illustrations were incorporated into a design that carefully followed the Imperial Palace Courtyard style, used in the construction of major buildings in Beijing (Peking). Nicholson made sure 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.
Once opened, the building became a center for the arts in Pasadena. The first floor consisted of galleries, and the second floor housed more galleries, an auditorium for exhibition, education and lectures, as well as Nicholson’s private apartment.
Nicholson gave the building to the City of Pasadena in 1943 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 and became the Norton Simon Museum.
The Pacificulture Foundation moved into the building in 1971. In 1987, the Foundation bought the structure and became Pacific Asia Museum. In 2013, the museum partnered with USC to become USC Pacific Asia Museum.
The building is an important and extraordinary example of Chinese architecture. It has been designated a Cultural Heritage Landmark by the cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles. In 1976, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1989 was declared a Historical Landmark by the State of California.
Today, the museum’s mission is to further intercultural understanding through the arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands.
📷: Photos and story courtesy of
