Gold Mountain: Chinese Californian Stories

California Museum

Gold Mountain: Chinese Californian Stories

This is our story, a story about California–or, as Chinese pioneers called it, Gold Mountain.

Discover the history and contributions of Chinese Americans to California from the Gold Rush to the present day in “Gold Mountain: Chinese California Stories.”

This signature exhibit explores how Chinese immigrants came to California in search of a better life, then stayed and helped to build the modern state. In so doing over the last 150 years, they triumphed over racism and other obstacles with ingenuity and perseverance.

In their stories, visitors will see the contributions that Californians of Chinese descent have made to our state’s economy, governance, and culture; and recognize the strength that comes from the state’s rich diversity.

"The opening of “Gold Mountain” was one of the most successful days in the museum’s history."

Brenda Hamilton, California Museum

The exhibit was conceived and designed by West Office in collaboration with the museum and the exhibit’s advisory panel. The exhibits were fabricated by Cinnabar with AV hardware integration by BBI and artifact mounts by the museum. AV media was produced by Full Frame Productions. The dragon was designed by West Office with help from Daniel Leung and was custom-made in China for the exhibit.