The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Bishop Museum that will significantly expand public access to its world-renowned collections. Starting October 6, the Bishop Museum will begin hosting Saturday tours of Shangri La, with tickets for October becoming available on September 4. This collaboration represents a major expansion of the museum's accessibility while maintaining its commitment to providing transformative cultural experiences.

The partnership comes as the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA), which has been Shangri La's primary tour partner for over two decades, adds Saturday tours to its existing Thursday and Friday schedule. Kim Hutchison, head of visitor engagement at HoMA, emphasized the significance of this long-standing relationship. "For more than twenty years, HoMA has partnered with Shangri La to create meaningful, transformative experiences through art, history, and natural beauty," Hutchison said. "It is a privilege to continue to do so while expanding the program's reach with Bishop Museum."

Bishop Museum leadership has expressed enthusiasm about their new role as co-hosts of the Shangri La program. Dr. Brandon Bunag, Ed.D, vice president of public programs and interim director of education at Bishop Museum, highlighted the institution's mission as a cultural gathering place. "As co-hosts of the Shangri La program, Bishop Museum proudly extends our role as a gathering place for cultural learning and community connection," Bunag stated.

Each comprehensive 75-minute tour of Shangri La includes several valuable components designed to enhance the visitor experience. Tour participants receive round-trip shuttle transportation that originates from either the Bishop Museum or HoMA, depending on which institution is hosting that day's tour. The experience features semi-guided exploration of both the galleries and grounds, with dedicated tour staff providing support and insights throughout the visit. Additionally, visitors receive same-day admission to the hosting partner institution, adding extra value to their cultural experience.

Alongside the partnership announcement, Shangri La is implementing a new monthly ticket system that will streamline the booking process for visitors. Beginning next month, tickets will go on sale on the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m., providing a consistent and predictable schedule for those planning their visits. This systematic approach is expected to improve accessibility and reduce confusion about ticket availability.

The pricing structure reflects the museum's commitment to serving both local residents and visitors from around the world. Kamaaina (local resident) tickets are priced at $20 for Thursday and Friday tours hosted by HoMA, while Saturday tours hosted by the Bishop Museum are available for $25. General admission tickets for non-residents are set at $45, regardless of which partnering institution hosts the tour. This tiered pricing system ensures that local community members have affordable access while generating necessary revenue from tourism.