Join Pao Arts Center for a family-friendly day of exploration of our current exhibit in partnership with the Arab American National Museum: Arab Massachusetts: Building Community in the Commonwealth, on view November 19, 2025–February 23, 2026. Since the late 1800s, Arab and Chinese families have lived side by side here in Chinatown, which was once also known as Boston’s Little Syria. To celebrate this shared local history, drop by for an afternoon of dance, music, and interactive hands-on activities designed to highlight the culture, history, and vibrancy of Arab and Chinese communities.
Stay tuned for the activity and performance lineup.
The Community Celebration is programmed as part of the Arab Massachusetts: Building Community in the Commonwealth exhibit hosted at Pao Arts Center, presented by the Arab American National Museum (AANM).
Related Programming
Arab Massachusetts: Building Community in the Commonwealth
November 19, 2025 - February 13, 2026
A groundbreaking initiative that will shed light on the vibrant stories of Arab American communities in the state from the late 19th century until the present day.
Little Syria Tour
Saturday, November 22 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Expand your understanding of the exhibit through a guided walking tour from Chinatown to the South End with scholar, curator, and founding member of the Little Syrian Project, Lydia Harrington.
About the Partner
The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum of its kind in the United States devoted to recording the Arab American experience. It serves as a touchstone that connects communities to Arab American culture and experiences. Since opening in 2005, AANM’s goal has been to document, preserve and present the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. Our exhibitions cover the Arab world and the history of Arab Americans from the first immigrants who arrived in the late 19th century to today. We offer safe spaces for open dialogue and community gatherings and provide educational opportunities for children and students of all ages to expand their knowledge and appreciation of Arab American history and culture. We work with established and emerging artists of all artistic mediums to uplift their work and share it with our regional and national audiences. All of this is intended to build community through the arts by showcasing our nation’s cultural diversity in thoughtful and impacting ways.
AANM has one of the most extensive archives of Arab American historical documents, oral histories and artifacts. We are the only museum in the country that actively collects Arab American art. The Annex @ AANM, a multi-purpose space and a symbol of the Museum’s growing engagement with the community, opened in 2015.