Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 24, 2026
Martial Arts History Museum Celebrates 27 Years as Glendale's Global Cultural Gem
TLDR
- Glendale's Martial Arts History Museum, the world's only one of its kind, draws global tourists and can boost local cultural tourism advantage.
- The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with $12 adult admission, hosting multicultural exhibits and community outreach programs.
- The museum fosters cultural understanding through diverse exhibits and provides compassionate outreach for seniors, dementia patients, and special-needs individuals.
- Celebrating 27 years, this Glendale museum features unexpected exhibits on Armenian heritage, Native American history, and Warrior Women.
Impact - Why it Matters
The Martial Arts History Museum is more than a repository of artifacts; it is a bridge between cultures and generations. As the only museum of its kind, it draws international tourists to Glendale, boosts the local economy, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through exhibits that celebrate diversity. Its community outreach programs provide therapeutic and educational benefits to seniors and individuals with special needs, addressing gaps in social services. With its lease expiring, the museum's potential relocation threatens the loss of a unique cultural asset and vital community resource. Supporting its fundraising efforts ensures that this educational and cultural cornerstone continues to enrich lives and uphold Glendale's identity as a destination for arts and history.
Summary
Glendale, California—known as the "Jewel City"—is home to a unique cultural attraction: the Martial Arts History Museum, now celebrating its 27th year as the only institution of its kind in the world. Since relocating from Burbank to an 8,000-square-foot facility on Brand Boulevard, the museum has attracted thousands of visitors from across the country and around the globe, with the majority coming from outside the United States. Under the leadership of Museum President Michael Matsuda, and with support from local champions like Mayor Ardy Kassakhian and Eric Fleishman, the museum has evolved into a vibrant multi-cultural hub that honors traditional Asian martial arts while also featuring exhibits on Armenian heritage, Native American history, Celtic traditions, and Warrior Women.
With less than two years left on its current lease, the museum is preparing to relocate to another facility within Glendale and has launched a fundraising effort to support the move. Beyond preserving history, the non-profit serves as a vital community resource, offering outreach programs for senior centers, individuals with dementia, and those with special needs. Plans for the new facility include dedicated spaces for health and wellness lectures, senior Tai Chi classes, and expanded workshops. "We bring global tourism to Brand Boulevard, preserve living history, and provide compassionate outreach to our local seniors and special-needs residents," Matsuda said. The museum relies on community donations and sponsorships to fuel its expansion and programs. For more information, to donate, or to plan a visit, go to MAmuseum.com.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Martial Arts History Museum Celebrates 27 Years as Glendale's Global Cultural Gem
