The 7,200 square foot museum site stands inside El Pueblo Monument, a 44-acre public park located at the City's "birthplace" in downtown Los Angeles. CAM is housed inside the oldest surviving Chinese buildings located in the City, namely the Garnier Building (423 North Los Angeles Street) and an adjacent structure (425 North Los Angeles Street). Erected exclusively for Chinese use in the 1890s, these multi-story brick structures had housed shops, schools, temples, churches, and businesses as well as dances and theatrical performances during their heyday between the 1890s and 1940s. Because the Garnier Building was once regarded as the unofficial "city hall" of Los Angeles' Chinese community, it is now a perfect cultural symbol for housing an institution dedicated to the Chinese American experience.

Visitors to El Pueblo Monument now have the opportunity to see a more inclusive picture of America in this "birthplace" of Los Angeles. They will be able to see in El Pueblo's cluster of 24 historic buildings, not only a restored Chinese American presence, but also a more ethnically diverse and accurate Southern California heritage. The Museum's prime location among so many other historic buildings will allow children and families to learn about the Chinese American experience in the context of a larger multicultural mosaic of people who have contributed toward the development of Los Angeles and Southern California.

Click here for a detailed history of the museum.

Also available, is the Chinese version of the establishment of the Chinese American Museum.

Funding

Community contributions have helped FCAM come this far in establishing the Chinese American Museum, however, continued support is still needed to develop its permanent facilities, exhibitions, and educational programs. Your donations will accelerate CAM's progress and help the Museum achieve a successful opening. Please contact us at 213-626-5240 or office@camla.org to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Home