Pacific Asia Museum's 'Fusion Fridays' meld high art with entertainment

Museums are usually places for the quiet and the contemplative, but at the Pacific Asia Museum, it’s a party.

Fusion Fridays, the museum’s new summertime event series, blends fine art with a nightclub atmosphere. There are gourmet food trucks in the parking lot, drinks and a live DJ in the courtyard, and cultural performances in the auditorium.

The inaugural event was a celebration of India and Pakistan called Bhangra Night.

Fusion Fridays from 89.3 KPCC on Vimeo.

The fun started in the parking lot where the Frysmith and Sweets food trucks whipped up tasty treats to fuel the festivities. In the elaborately decorated courtyard, DJ Tony Cheung played modern Indian dance hits. Upstairs, mehndi artists applied henna to the hands and arms of curious partygoers before the crowd packed the auditorium to watch the Bhangra dancers perform.

By all accounts, the night was a smashing success for the museum and patrons alike, proving that stuffy galleries filled with people in tweed jackets isn’t the only way to experience culture.

Next up for Fusion Fridays is Japan in Blue and White on June 18 where there will be sake tasting, a Samurai battle demonstration, Japanese calligraphy lessons and Sumi-E (East Asian brush painting) as well as the Mandoline Grill and Buttermilk food trucks.

Admission is $10 to the general public and free for members. On-site parking is free.

Pacific Asia Museum
46 North Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101