Descanso Gardens is hosting the Tuna Canyon Detention Station Exhibit, created by the Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition, from March 7–9 in the Japanese Garden near the entrance. This powerful exhibit sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history, honoring the stories of over 2,000 Japanese, German and Italian immigrants, as well as Japanese Peruvians, who were unjustly detained at the Tuna Canyon Detention Station in Los Angeles between 1941 and 1943.

  Through personal accounts and photographic evidence, the exhibit reveals the human cost of wartime fear and prejudice. Visitors will encounter poignant reminders of the individuals affected, such as identification cards, personal belongings, letters and government documents. Historical photographs illustrate life at the detention center, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps camp repurposed by the U.S. government to hold detainees. Oral histories and letters further bring to life the fears, struggles and resilience of those unjustly incarcerated.

  “Through its thoughtful curation, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station Exhibit serves as both a memorial to those unjustly detained and an educational tool,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “It highlights the broader implications of wartime xenophobia, not only emphasizing the resilience of those affected but also challenging visitors to consider the importance of protecting civil rights in the present.”

  The exhibit also contextualizes these events within the broader historical framework, exploring the impact of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the removal and incarceration of people of Japanese descent, as well as the experiences of German and Italian immigrants labeled as “enemy aliens.” Informational panels detail the policies, societal prejudices and wartime hysteria that fueled this injustice.

  Located just five miles from Descanso Gardens, the Tuna Canyon Detention Station was a key site during this tragic period. Though the barbed wire fences, guard posts and barracks are gone, this exhibit ensures that the stories of those detained are not forgotten. It is a moving reminder of the need to preserve civil liberties for all and to ensure that such injustices are never repeated.

  The exhibition is free with garden admission.