Image credit:
Sago Storage Vessel (Damarau), 20th Century
East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea
Ceramic and paint, 24 3/4x 19 1/4x18 ¼ inches
99.76.165
Anonymous Gift
See this remarkable piece and other global treasures in our Art of the Pacific Islands gallery. Bring a friend or the whole family this week and discover the stories behind artifacts from around the world! 🏺🌊 #pacificislands #artandculture #NewGuinea
Did you know? 🌏✨
Among the Iatmul people of Papua New Guinea, beautifully crafted jars like this Damarau were used to store sago—a staple food made from palm starch. More than just storage, these vessels also reflected social status and spiritual connections within the community.
Even though we’ve grown, our commitment to showcasing Orange County history hasn’t changed. This gallery has displayed various artifacts and clothing from California’s formative Mexican and Rancho periods since the Bowers first opened in 1936.
What changes do you notice?
To celebrate the Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’ll share a piece of our past.
These two pictures show our Segerstrom gallery from the same perspective – one from 1932 when the building was first completed, and one from today!
Explore our lookbook for style inspiration that blends cinematic glamour, museum elegance, and modern flair, perfect for an evening of dancing and vibrant cultural celebration. Get the details and plan your look at bowers.org/bash.
Inspired by Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution, this unforgettable gala celebrates the beauty and global influence of India’s textile artistry. Black tie or elegant Indian attire—tuxedos, gowns, saris, lehengas, and sherwanis welcome. Come dressed to shine and ready to celebrate in style.
On March 21, 2026, the Bowers Museum transforms into a dazzling Bollywood dream—lantern light, candle glow, jewel tones, and couture sweeping through the courtyard. ✨
Plus, our featured exhibition will be open late so that you can explore the galleries before, during, or after the games. Don’t miss this perfect blend of culture and community!
🎉 Extended Museum hours: 4 pm – 8 pm
🀄 Game time: 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us at the Bowers Museum on March 13. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love a good game night, it’s the perfect way to meet other players. Come and enjoy the camaraderie of the Mah Jongg community, and play for the chance to win raffle prizes!
Tiles, strategy, and a little bit of luck, who’s ready for our next special Mah Jongg Game Night?
Image credit:
Ideal California Day, 1921
Frank Coburn (American, 1862-1938)
Oil on canvas, 34 1/2x 36 in.
3951
Gift of Georgia DeLong in memory of her brother, Frank Coburn
Painted while he was living in Santa Ana, it reflects the golden charm of Southern California, especially on a beautiful 80° day like this.😎
See it on view in California Bounty, Image and Identity: 1850–1930 at the Bowers Museum and soak in your own ideal California day this week. 🌼✨
An ideal day in California looks a lot like today. ☀️🌴
In “Ideal California Day,” Frank Coburn captures a sunlit street filled with vibrant blooms, swaying palms, and figures in 1920s dress.
Step into one of the world’s oldest living civilizations and visit Ancient Arts of China now at Bowers Museum. #ancientartofchina #artandculture #artcollection
5,000 years of history, all in one gallery.
Ancient Arts of China takes you from Neolithic painted pottery to Silk Road camels, embroidered silk robes, and delicate ivory carvings.
Fun fact: Many of these artworks were created not just for life—but to protect and serve their owners in the afterlife.
The renovation added our museum’s administration building, Gallery Store, and the 10,500 square foot featured exhibition gallery that is still used today for exhibitions from around the globe.
In this 1991 photo, colorful balloons reading “Congratulations! Bowers Museum” and school children helped kick off ground breaking ceremony for the 1991 renovation.
To celebrate the Bowers Museum’s 90th anniversary, each week we’ll share a picture from our past.
Then savor the vibrant aromas of India’s iconic street food with Manindder Tej, known for authentic flavors rooted in Punjabi and Mughlai traditions.
Experience a flavor-packed evening you won’t want to miss! Learn more at www.bowers.org/bash.
Indulge in an elevated South Asian fusion dining experience curated by Ali Loukzada, whose culinary journey from Mumbai to New York’s top kitchens comes to life for our VIP guests.
Dine, sip, and celebrate the bold flavors of India at Bowers Bollywood Bash ✨Join us on March 21 for an unforgettable night at Bowers Museum featuring gourmet Indian-inspired bites, festive cocktails, live performances, and an immersive atmosphere drawn by Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution.
Media sponsorship for the Bowers Museum presentation is provided by LAist.
CREDIT: Global Threads: India's Textile Revolution is produced and circulated by ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto, Canada. Support for the Bowers Museum presentation is provided in part by Goldman Sachs' Charitable Foundation and Bloomingdale's.
Watch closely as each snap reveals a new space, and each thread tells a new story.
Visit the exhibition now or make it part of your weekend plans. Tickets at bowers.org/threads.
#threadsatbowers #indianculture #textiles
Indian textiles have influenced fashion, trade, and culture for centuries, from everyday cloth to global impact. Global Threads: India's Textile Revolution examines the stories behind India’s textile traditions, showing how color, pattern, and innovation spread across continents and eras.
Through a lecture and musical performance, Robin Sukhadia and Sadubas reveal how textiles—from colonial-era chintz to contemporary couture—help shape cinematic storytelling, aesthetics, and imagination.
Learn more and reserve tickets at bowers.org/programs. #Bollywood #threadsatbowers #indiantextile
Did you know? “Bollywood” is the Hindi-language film industry and one of the largest in the world—where textiles play a powerful storytelling role beyond music and dance.
On March 7, explore how fabric brings Bollywood cinema to life in Chintz, Cinema, and the Fabric of Dreams.
From vibrant performances to hands-on art activities, thank you to everyone who celebrated with us at the Bowers Museum here’s to a year of energy, creativity, and forward momentum.
#bowersfestival #lunarnewyear2026 #artandculture
Even as the day winds down, the spirit of the Lunar New Year shines on 🐎🔥
Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse with a look back at the joy, color, and community from our Lunar New Year, Free Family Festival earlier this month.
