Pacific Asia, by way of Pasadena: The renovated USC museum’s new look

The dragon-guarded gates to the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena are reopening to the public for the first time in more than a year after the seismic retrofit of its 1924 building, a makeover of galleries and construction of a new gift shop, among other changes.

Centuries-old Vishnu and Buddha sculptures will be on view with the exhibition “Winds From Fusang: Mexico and China in the Twentieth Century,” exploring the influence of Western artists in the East.

The Times paid an early visit for a pictorial preview before the crowds arrived for opening weekend. Admission to the museum will be free through Dec. 17.

The USC Pacific Asia Museum’s 1924 building closed for more than a year for a seismic retrofit.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

The entrance to the museum.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

Dragon decoration on the front gate.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

In addition to the seismic retrofit, a makeover of galleries was part of the renovation project.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

A gallery of Southeast Asian art in the newly reopened museum.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter »

See all of our latest arts news and reviews at latimes.com/arts.

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE:

Coca-Cola BlāK? Apple’s Newton? Six big flops at the Museum of Failure pop-up

When are feathers worth more than gold? ‘Kingdoms’ exhibition answers with spectacular finds

Children of ‘The Nutcracker’ work for their moment in the Music Center spotlight

Misty Copeland comes home for the holidays