Pacific Asian Museum Site Named a Landmark
The Chinese pagoda-style structure that is home to Pasadena’s Pacific Asian Museum has become a state historic landmark.
Museum officials over the weekend unveiled a plaque marking the historic significance of the 75-year-old structure, originally built as as Grace Nicholson’s Treasure House. It becomes the California Registered Historical Landmark No. 988.
The building, at Los Robles and Union avenues, is home to more than 17,000 objects spanning more than 5,000 years of Asian culture.
Commissioned by Nicholson in 1924 and designed by the architectural firm of Marston, Van Pelt & Maybury, the Treasure House served as her gallery and home until her death in 1948. It then became the Pasadena Art Museum before assuming its present role as the Pacific Asian Museum in 1971.
Museum officials say the structure’s upturned roof is believed to prevent evil spirits from landing on it. In addition, ceramic dogs perched on the building’s peak keep watch for enemies.
The dragon motif on the front gates represents the creative power of the universe, and the peony-shaped windows in the courtyard symbolize beauty and fertility, officials said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
