Built in 1910, when sugar dominated the economy and society of Hawai‘i, The Arts & Letters building is a classic Chinatown storefront façade featuring design elements characteristic of its neighborhood and era - exposed brick columns; wood frame, clear glass clerestory and display windows; a metal canopy with a decorative edge; and a parapet silhouette. Located at 1164 Nu‘uanu Avenue, the building began its life divided into two small stores. By the late 1920ʻs the building was a “Bake House,” and later a pool hall during the era before and after World War 2. In the postwar years, the building reverted to a storefront again - at one point housing a barbershop and a Chinese medicine shop. The building is included in both the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places as a portion of the Chinatown Historic District.
It was purchased in 1986 by the artist Pegge Hopper, who undertook extensive renovations to create a gallery and artistʻs loft. Through Peggeʻs efforts, the building and the many arts exhibitions it hosted, were an anchor for the arts in Honolulu and the revitalization of the Chinatown district.
We acquired the building in 2020 to ensure its continued preservation as both a historic asset and a catalyst for the arts. It has been redeveloped as Arts & Letters Nuuanu with
a revived Native Books Inc. situated on the ground floor
a branch of the Waiwai Collective
exhibitions and programs for the arts
community meeting and programs space for small groups
Our opening exhibition featured the documentary photography of Franco Salmoiraghi. Ensuing gallery exhibitions have ranged from contemporary textile arts, to prints and monotypes. All artists shown have some connection to Hawai‘i. Open hours and other programs information here.