The USC Pacific Asia Museum is looking for the community’s support in reimagining its beloved courtyard through a two-session conversation panel with local specialists in the fields of historic gardens and architecture. Constructed in 1925, the courtyard has transformed over the past 90 years to become an intercultural hub in Pasadena, California, transitioning from a private residence into a community-utilized space.

As USC PAM celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is looking for ways to evolve in its accessibility and community service. These sessions are intended for conversations about the different ways in which this particular space in the museum can serve that goal. We hope to work with the public and our panel of urbanists, architects, and botanists to explore ways of increasing accessibility while preserving the courtyard’s treasured classical Chinese garden style.

Thursday, July 8th, 4:00 PM

Session I:

Join preservation architect Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA and Phillip Bloom, the Huntington Libraries Curator of the Chinese Garden & Director of the Center for East Asian Studies as they talk about the history of the USC PAM courtyard and Chinese gardens.

Thursday, August 5th, 4:00 PM

Session II:

Join our panel of experts for an interactive conversation to explore ways USC PAM can honor the courtyard’s past while making necessary changes for inclusivity and accessibility in the future.

Panelist include:

Bethany Montagano, Director, Pacific Asia Museum

Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, FAIA

Phillip Bloom, Curator of the Chinese Garden at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens

Don Waston, USC  Pacific Asia Museum Docent

Discussion moderated by Vinayak Bharne, Adjunct Associate Professor of Urbanism, USC

For questions or to request accommodations for this event please contact Cristina Hernandez-Guerrero at ch45852@usc.edu . For additional information please visit https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/