Sight, the workhorse of the five senses, puts in too many hours keeping man from falling into manholes. Give the most overworked sense a vacation with today's Groupon: for $4, you get one general-admission pass to Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, a $9 value. Unlike the number of crows in the wild, there are only four U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands—Pacific Asia Museum is one of them.

In America's melting pot of delicious cultures, Asians and Pacific Islanders would most likely be the bay leaf, the crucial ingredient that gives the recipe its robust flavor. Pacific Asia Museum, which first opened its doors in 1971, is dedicated to the multi-layered cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its collection contains more than 15,000 pieces of historical art dating back more than 4,000 years. Learn about vital Asian history through current exhibits such as Japan in Blue and White, which explores how the use of blue pigment on white ceramics, textiles, and woodblock prints was first used for practical reasons but soon became a distinctively Japanese art style. Permanent collections include more than 800 Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Island graphic-art prints motivated by culture, politics, religion, and scenes from Ghost Busters.

The building that houses the museum is itself a historical institution, inspired by Chinese Imperial Palaces. The beauteous setting of The Grace Nicholson Building and the serene courtyard transports visitors across the Pacific faster than one of those portal holes ever could. Regardless of your cultural heritage, Pacific Asia Museum is filled with eclectic collections of brain boosters and aesthetically pleasing art to enjoy. You can purchase an unlimited number of Groupons, so pick up a few for repeat visits or grab enough to bring the entire local Girl Scout troop to the museum so they can finally earn the coveted Pacific-Asia Badge.

Reviews

Six Judy's Book users and multiple Yelpers give Pacific Asia Museum a solid four stars:

• The Pacific Asia Museum is located inside a replica of an imperial Chinese palace with a green tiled roof. It is a fitting building for all the beautiful collections of asian artifacts they have housed within. – Issa S., Judy’s Book
• The Pacific Asia Museum houses a great collection of Asian artifacts ranging from ancient pottery to modern Chinese art...I found the displays on Chinese ceramics to be particularly interesting. The courtyard in the center of the building is a beautiful quiet place to reflect when you've finished touring the various gallery spaces. – jaepu, Judy's Book
• Our family loves to visit this museum once or twice a year. It always offers something new for the entire family to enjoy. – Michael F., Judy's Book