5 Places in Arizona to Explore during AAPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time when people take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the unique and diverse contributions of AAPI communities that shape the cultural fabric of the U.S. Here are five sites around the state that will enrich your understanding of AAPI history and heritage:
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a 3.5-acre garden oasis designed to promote cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Japan. It features a koi pond, a waterfall, a tea garden and an array of serene and stunning landscapes that evoke the rich traditions of Japanese culture and heritage. The garden is managed by a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Japanese culture, and it is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-16.
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum houses a wonderful collection of artifacts and artworks that reflect the heritage and contemporary expressions of AAPI communities. The museum's Asian art collections include both historical and contemporary textiles, ceramics, sculptures and paintings from China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia. The museum offers tours and special exhibitions to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month every May. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $14-23, with reduced prices for seniors, students and youth.
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is a prominently featured cultural site for the region's Chinese community and others interested in Chinese culture and history. This state-of-the-art center features a magnificent Ming Dynasty-style pavilion, a tea house, a courtyard, an art gallery and a museum with artifacts that aim to preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture in Southern Arizona. The museum hosts several cultural events and celebrations throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year celebrations. The center is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission ranges from $10-15, with discounts offered for children, seniors and groups.
Asian District
Located in Mesa, Arizona, the Asian District offers an authentic and vibrant experience of the Asian community, with a wide range of Asian restaurants, bakeries, stores and markets. The Asian cuisine in the district ranges from Japanese sushi, Korean BBQ, Chinese dumplings and rice rolls and Vietnamese pho and bánh mì sandwiches. Visitors can also enjoy karaoke, arcades and other entertainment venues that showcase aspects of Asian pop culture. Hours of operation vary, depending on the restaurant or establishment within the district.
Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is a celebration of the world's musical heritage, housed in a 200,000-square-foot facility. The museum features more than 6,800 instruments from around the world, including a wide-ranging collection of Asian stringed instruments, percussion instruments and wind instruments. It also hosts events, performances and interactive exhibits designed to immerse visitors in the world's musical traditions. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission ranges from $14-20, with discounts for seniors, students and children.
A unique and memorable experience for the whole family
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