ABOUT THE ITALIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The Italian American Museum is located in the Italian Hall, a historic building in downtown Los Angeles that was constructed in 1908 to serve as a social and cultural center for the Italian community. Located in what was once the core of the city’s little Italy, the Italian Hall was the site of countless events such as weddings, banquets, meetings, rallies, concerts and dances. Today, the Italian Hall is the oldest surviving structure in Los Angeles built specifically for Italian occupancy.

When the historic significance of the Italian Hall became evident in 1988, the Italian community organized a group to secure use of the Hall and raise funds to develop a museum. The Historic Italian Hall Foundation was incorporated in 1993, and in 1998, was granted a 501 (c) 3 exemption as a non-profit organization.

Slated to open in 2011, the Italian American Museum will feature historical and art exhibitions, an oral history and research archive and a multi-media center. The Museum will serve as a mixed-use facility, hosting lectures, festivals, meetings and a variety of community events. It will be cooperatively administered by the Historic Italian Hall Foundation and the City of Los Angeles.

About the Historic Italian Hall Foundation
The Historic Italian Hall Foundation is a charitable, non-profit corporation that acts as a support group and community link for the museum, raising money through grants and contributions from individuals, corporations and organizations. With the museum’s opening slated for 2011, the Historic Italian Hall Foundation focuses its efforts on the development of a 21st century, world-class museum.

The Mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation
The mission of the Historic Italian Hall Foundation is to foster a deeper understanding of Southern California’s diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, exhibitions and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles and the United States.

For more information, please visit the Italian Hall Museum.