Japanese American National Museum - Image 1

Los Angeles,United States of America

Japanese American National Museum

MuseumOpenModern

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is located in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles. It is dedicated to documenting and preserving the history, culture, and experiences of Japanese Americans, spanning over 130 years of history from the first Issei immigrants to the present day.

The museum's permanent exhibition, 'Common Ground: The Heart of Community,' chronicles the Japanese American experience, including the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and oral histories, the institution serves as a center for education and dialogue regarding civil rights and the immigrant experience in the United States.

Key Facts

Materials
Steel, Glass, Concrete
Civilization
Japanese American
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible
Date(s)
1992
Condition
Active
Original Function
Museum
Key Figures
George Takei, Irene Hirano Inouye

Founding and Mission

1980s-1992

The museum was conceived in the 1980s by a group of Japanese American community leaders who recognized the need to preserve the history of their community. It officially opened its doors in 1992 in the historic Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple building.

Expansion

1999

In 1999, the museum expanded significantly with the opening of a new pavilion designed by architect Gyo Obata. This expansion allowed for larger exhibition spaces and the housing of the museum's growing collection of historical artifacts.

Contemporary Role

2000-Present

Today, the museum functions as a major cultural institution in Los Angeles, hosting rotating exhibitions, public programs, and research initiatives that explore the intersection of Japanese American history with broader American civil rights issues.

Cultural Significance

The museum plays a vital role in the Little Tokyo community and serves as a national repository for Japanese American history. It is a critical site for understanding the impact of Executive Order 9066 and the subsequent incarceration of Japanese Americans, framing these events within the context of American democracy and constitutional rights.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Discussions within the museum community often focus on the balance between preserving specific ethnic histories and integrating those narratives into the broader American historical canon. There is ongoing scholarly interest in how digital archives can best preserve oral histories from the Nisei generation.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

Open Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Admission is free every third Thursday of the month.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is a central hub during the annual Nisei Week festival in August.

Photography

Personal photography is permitted in most galleries without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require prior authorization.

Preservation Notes

Visitors are asked not to touch artifacts or display cases. Food and drink are prohibited within the exhibition galleries.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    Japanese American National Museum: About Us — JANM Staff. janm.org (2023)View
  2. [2]
    The Japanese American Experience — Brian Niiya. Densho Encyclopedia (2020)View