Chinese American Museum

Basics: A museum-in-the-making since 1987, it's meant to explore L.A.'s Chinese American history, culture and art in the city's oldest surviving Chinese buildings -- Garnier Hall, once regarded as the Chinese community's "city hall," and an adjacent structure.

What's new: An $800,000 renovation of the 7,200-square-foot museum is finally complete.

Why: "Chinese people have been in Southern California for 150 years. It's a history and a journey that needs to shared," executive director Suellen Cheng says.