Five Area Museums Free May 19

Five museums and historical landmarks nearby San Marino will be open free of charge on May 19.

From noon to 5 p.m., the following destinations will be open free for the 24th Annual Museums of the Arroyo Day:

The Gamble House
4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena
626-793-3334
The quintessential example of Greene and Greene architecture that originated with a team of Pasadena brothers, the 1908 Gamble House was built for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter and Gamble Company. And yes, it also appeared as Doc Brown’s home in the film Back to the Future. Guests can tour the well-preserved National Historic Landmark. 

Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena
626-577-1660
Located on the grounds of the Fenyes Mansion, built in 1906, the museum focuses on Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley history.

Lummis Home and Garden
200 East Avenue 43, Los Angeles
323-222-0546
Built mostly by Charles Fletcher Lummis, “early activist, author, anthropologist, photographer, civic booster” and first city editor of the Los Angeles Times, the home stands on the west bank of the Arroyo Seco and was the “place to seen and be seen” since its inception in 1897. 

Heritage Square
3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles
323-225-2700
The living history museum tells the story of the development of Southern California through guided tours of eight historic structures.

The Los Angeles Police Museum
6045 York Boulevard, Los Angeles
323-344-9445
Located in the 1925 Highland Park Police Station, this museum chronicles the history of the LAPD since its start in 1869. Kids can climb into a retired police helicopter, try on police gear and get “locked” in a real jail cell where adults can snap their own free police booking photos.

MOTA Day will also feature three free hands-on art workshops for children:

12:30 p.m. Japanese dancer Misaka Kakihana will perform two traditional dances. Children will make a Japanese brush wall hanging. 

2 p.m. Author and storyteller Kasan Butler will read a story about his family. Children will create a collage of their families. 

3:30 p.m. Author and storyteller Kasan Butler will read an African story, Children will create an African rains tick.

More MOTA Day 2013 Activities: 

• Art Festival with Members of the Pasadena Society of Artists. More than 30 painters, sculptors, and photographers will display their works in tents throughout the gardens and in the special MOTA Day-only art store in Giddings Conference Room. All artwork will be for sale, along with prints, cards and other distinctive gift items. In addition, a number of the artists will be actively working on new pieces during the afternoon.
• Juried Art Exhibition: “Relationships.” Artists will be inspired by the current exhibition on vintage wedding gowns at the museum.
• Mini-Tours of Fenyes Mansion. Visitors can get a first look at the historic residence following its recent $1.7 million rejuvenation.
• Tours of Finnish Folk Art Museum. Members of the Finlandia Foundation will welcome guests to the museum which is furnished in the style of a 19th century Finnish farmhouse. This unique exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s tradition and culture and reminds visitors that the Fenyes Mansion once served as the Finnish Consulate.
• I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the Knot Exhibition. Tour a stunning display of vintage wedding gowns in the History Center Galleries.
• Pie ‘n Burger Truck.  Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pasadena’s famed restaurant by purchasing one of their best-loved family fare offerings!

For more information on MOTA Day 2013 and what each museum will offer on May 19, go to the event’s website here: http://www.mota.dreamhosters.com/