Our museum is housed in a building originally built in 1927 as a Chinese mission. The Chinese Historical Society of Greater San Diego and Baja California found out the building was slated for demolition in the 1980’s and was able to save and move the building from its original site on First Avenue to the historic heart of old Chinatown on Third Avenue. Architect Joseph Wong was in charge of renovating the Mission building to make it the cornerstone of the Asian Pacific Historic District. Now a museum, the building’s gallery displays models of early Chinese American settlements, artifacts excavated from old Chinatown and equipment salvaged from local businesses of yesteryear. Relics such as a jade burial suit, a limestone Buddha head, and a warlord’s bed frame, provide a brief glimpse into China’s history.
Over the past 27 years, the museum has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors, collected thousands of ethnographic artifacts, and hosted hundreds of educational programs and exhibitions. Today, SDCHM remains a piece of living history to celebrate multiculturalism, enrich the community, and showcase San Diego as an international and cultural tourist destination.
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
- Please check out information about current exhibition here.
- Information about upcoming exhibitions may be found here
Monthly Lectures and Talks
- Explore aspects of Chinese history, culture, and arts through a series of monthly lectures hosted via Zoom in collaboration with the SDSU Chinese Cultural Center, under the series title “The Chinese American Experience & Beyond.” Find more information here.
Educational Programs and Special Tours
- The Museum’s Educational team regularly hosts tours for special interest groups, educational groups, and visitors. We also provide hands-on workshops at request. Find more information about programs for schools and community groups here.
Upcoming Events

Oct 1 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Asian Pacific Historic District Walking Tour
Hosted by: San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Visit San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Address:
404 Third Avenue
San Diego , CA
92101
Phone:
(619) 338-9888
Hours:
Friday - Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Website:
404 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA