Sunday offers up a rare opportunity to immerse in the city’s rich cultural heritage without spending a dime. Three of the city’s prominent institutions — the Gamble House, Pasadena Museum of History, and USC Pacific Asia Museum — will offer free admission, creating a diverse day of art, history, and architectural experiences.
It’s a fitting way to start a week that culminates in ArtNight, which will offer free experiences at cultural institutions citywide.
On Sunday, the Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History are collaborating on a special event called “Crafting Memories,” running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This joint initiative aims to engage visitors of all ages through a variety of activities and exhibitions. No reservations are required for this event, making it easily accessible to the public.
At the Gamble House, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the first and second floors, participate in Musical Storytime with the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and engage in craft activities with Gloria Newton from Remainders Creative Reuse. The venue will also feature a DeLorean car display and a library tent for relaxation and storytelling.
Meanwhile, the Pasadena Museum of History will showcase its “Lights, Camera, Action! Hollywood Magic in Pasadena” exhibition. Visitors can take mini self-guided tours of the 1906 Fényes Mansion and Finnish Folk Art Museum, watch classic silent films with free popcorn, and participate in a zoetrope-making workshop. Music by Gypsy Jambo will add to the atmosphere.
Food options will be available, with the Kogi Tacos Por Vida food truck stationed at the Gamble House from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to bring picnics to both the Gamble House and Pasadena Museum of History locations.
For those interested in Asian and Pacific Island arts and culture, the USC Pacific Asia Museum will offer free admission as part of its regular “Free 2nd Sunday@PAM” program. The museum, located approximately 0.3 miles from the Pasadena Convention Center, houses a collection of more than 15,000 items spanning over 5,000 years. Dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the museum’s normal operating hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This “trifecta” of free cultural events provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with Pasadena’s diverse cultural offerings, all within a single day and at no cost. The combination of art, history, and architecture experiences offers something for everyone, making it an ideal way to spend a Sunday exploring the city’s rich heritage.
Gamble House, 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, (626) 793-3334,
Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, (626) 577-1660, https://www.visitpasadena.com/directory/pasadena-museum-of-history/
USC Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, (626) 449-2742, http://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu
