Oahu Museum Guide

John Young Museum of Art

John Young Museum of Art at the University of Hawaii at Manoa features Asian, Pacific and African art in a compact Honolulu campus gallery.

Plan Your Visit

John Young Museum of Art, Oahu

This art museum affiliated with the University of Hawaii at Manoa occupies Krauss Hall, one the oldest buildings on the school's campus. Following recent renovations, the museum is now a 2,000+ square foot complex that includes galleries, workshops, a small research library, an office and an outdoor courtyard. Asian art lovers should not miss the John Young Museum of Art, which focuses primarily on Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian artworks, the bulk of which were donated by local painter John Chin Young.

The John Young Museum of Art's outstanding collection includes ceramic sculptures, wood carvings and bronze pieces dating back to ancient times. The ancient China collection features Han Dynasty tomb figures (c. 200 B.C.), Neolithic pottery jars dating back to 3000 B.C. and dozens of artifacts from the Ming Dynasty (1300s).

You'll also find pieces from the Three Kingdoms of Korea (5th to 6th centuries), a Mashiko stoneware plate by renowned Japanese artist Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Ban Chiang pottery dating from 2,000 to 1,000 B.C. and ceramic works by the Khmer people (11th to 13th centuries). The collection even has a few noteworthy African pieces from Mali, Ghana and Nigeria.

Krauss Hall is a work of art in itself and is listed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Sites. The space features a peaceful water garden designed by Betsy Sakata, where you can spot a Thai Buddha that belonged to Young. Don't miss the 1976 portrait of John Chin Young by contemporary artist and Stanford University professor Nathan Oliveira located near the museum entrance.

Key Features

Campus museum at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
Focuses on Asian, Pacific and African art and cultural objects
Compact gallery setting suited to a shorter Honolulu museum stop
Exhibitions and access may vary by university schedule
Visitors should check current hours before going
Campus parking rules and walking distance should be planned in advance
Close to Manoa, Honolulu and other town-side Oahu stops

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is John Young Museum of Art?

John Young Museum of Art is on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus in Honolulu.

What can visitors see at John Young Museum of Art?

The museum focuses on art and objects connected with Asia, the Pacific and Africa, with exhibitions that may change by semester or program.

Is John Young Museum of Art large?

No. It is a compact campus museum, so it is best planned as a shorter stop rather than a full-day attraction.

Should visitors check hours before going?

Yes. Campus museum hours, exhibition access and closures can change, so check current University of Hawaii information before visiting.

Is parking available near the museum?

Parking depends on University of Hawaii at Manoa campus rules and availability. Check current visitor parking details before you arrive.