San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is a true gem in the heart of old Chinatown. Originally built in 1927 as a Chinese mission, the building was saved from demolition in the 1980s by the Chinese Historical Society of Greater San Diego and Baja California. Since then, the museum has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and collected thousands of ethnographic artifacts.

Architect Joseph Wong was in charge of the renovation, making it the cornerstone of the Asian Pacific Historic District. The museum’s gallery showcases the history of San Diego’s historic Chinatown, including display models of early Chinese American settlements, artifacts excavated from old Chinatown, and equipment salvaged from local businesses of yesteryear. The relics on display, such as a jade burial suit, a limestone Buddha head, and a warlord’s bed frame, provide a brief glimpse into China’s rich history.

Over the past 27 years, the museum has hosted hundreds of educational programs and exhibitions. Today, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum remains a piece of living history, celebrating multiculturalism, enriching the community, and showcasing San Diego as an international and cultural tourist destination. Come and explore the museum’s fascinating collection and learn about the rich history of Chinese Americans in San Diego!