Pacific Asia Museum

The Pacific Asia Museum will install its first museum-wide centralized fire detection and alarm system, replacing its battery-operated smoke detectors and providing protection for 32,000 square feet on four floors of the museum. The project will address key fire security issues that jeopardize the safety of the museum’s staff, visitors, and nationally significant collection of Asian and Pacific Island art. Furthermore, an updated, centralized system will allow the museum to begin borrowing works from other institutions. The Pacific Asia Museum’s building, the centerpiece of its collection, is a rare example of Chinese Imperial palace–style architecture. Built in 1924 as the business and residence of pioneering art dealer Grace Nicholson, it is a California State Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.