Discover Unique Gifts and Discounts at Museum Store Sunday 2023
Holiday gift shopping can be stressful. Avoid the chaos of busy shopping malls and big box stores. A better option is Museum Store Sunday, which takes place this year on December 1. This event features over 2,100 museum stores worldwide, including 28 in Los Angeles County.
Museum Store Sunday offers discounts, special events, and unique gifts. When you shop at museum stores, you support the museums directly. Maria Kwong, director of retail enterprises at the Japanese American National Museum, emphasizes the value of buying special items that contribute to museum funding.
Museum stores now provide a wide range of products beyond postcards and keychains. For example, at JANM, you can find a Godzilla-themed Monopoly set for $45 or a chess set by artist Isamu Noguchi for $590. This year, JANM will also host a book launch for “Seattle Samurai,” celebrating cartoonist Sam Goto.
At the Broad museum, shoppers can discover items like a neon light by L.A. artist Kenny Scharf for $399 or a Joseph Beuys catalog for $49.95. The Getty offers astronomy-themed gifts, such as a $50 replica astrolabe.
How does Museum Store Sunday support cultural institutions compared to traditional holiday shopping?
Interview with Maria Kwong, Director of Retail Enterprises at the Japanese American National Museum
Interviewer: Maria, thank you for joining us. As we approach Museum Store Sunday on December 1, can you tell us why this event is a great alternative to holiday shopping at traditional malls?
Maria Kwong: Thank you for having me. Museum Store Sunday is a fantastic option for holiday shopping because it offers a unique experience away from the crowded malls and big box stores. With over 2,100 museum stores participating globally, including 28 right here in Los Angeles County, shoppers can find special gifts while supporting cultural institutions directly. This year, we’re excited to provide discounts, special events, and truly unique items that reflect our museum’s mission and our community.
Interviewer: You mentioned unique items. Can you highlight some products available at the Japanese American National Museum?
Maria Kwong: Absolutely! Our store has really expanded its offerings beyond traditional souvenirs. For instance, this year we have a Godzilla-themed Monopoly set for $45, which is a fun nod to Japanese pop culture. We also have a one-of-a-kind chess set designed by the renowned artist Isamu Noguchi priced at $590. Additionally, we are thrilled to host a book launch for “Seattle Samurai” by cartoonist Sam Goto, which adds a special event layer to the shopping experience.
Interviewer: That sounds exciting! What other amazing finds can shoppers expect at nearby museums?
Maria Kwong: Shoppers will be impressed with what’s on offer at various museums. For instance, at the Broad museum, there’s a vibrant neon light by L.A. artist Kenny Scharf for $399, alongside a Joseph Beuys catalog available for $49.95. At the Getty, you can purchase an astronomy-themed replica astrolabe for $50.
Interviewer: It seems like many museums are incorporating art and culture into their retail offerings. Can you share more about other participating stores in the area?
Maria Kwong: Certainly! The Grammy Museum Store, for example, has fantastic music-related gifts. The USC Pacific Asia Museum Shop will be providing a 20% discount for museum members on Museum Store Sunday. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art is collaborating with P.F. Candle Co. for their merchandise, while the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is offering 20% off custom prints for online purchases. Each store presents an opportunity to buy thoughtful gifts that are not only meaningful but also support the arts and education.
Interviewer: Thank you, Maria, for sharing such insightful information about Museum Store Sunday. It sounds like a perfect way for holiday shopping that truly gives back to the community.
Maria Kwong: Thank you! We’re looking forward to welcoming shoppers and making this season a memorable and creative shopping experience. Encouraging people to visit museums and explore our stores is a wonderful way to support the arts and cultural heritage this holiday season.
Other participating stores include the Grammy Museum Store, the Library Store, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum Shop, which is offering a 20% discount for museum members on Museum Store Sunday. The Museum of Contemporary Art features a collaboration with P.F. Candle Co., while the Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers 20% off custom prints for online purchases.
Visit museums this holiday season for a creative and enjoyable shopping experience!