The Wing Luke Museum has featured Bruce Lee’s Be Water My Friend exhibition since last July. Why visit now? Well, it’s almost Bruce Lee’s birthday (November 27th!), and a trip to this immersive exhibit is the perfect way to celebrate the legend. Being a Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (JKD) student myself, the exhibit motivates me and reminds me that Bruce Lee is far more than just a tough legend; he’s also a philosopher.

When you think of Bruce Lee, you might think of kicks flying, Nunchucks cracking, boom, kachow! There’s more to him than this persona; Be Water My Friend creates a path of his readings,  teachings, and personal books along its exhibit’s walls. Its final room immerses you in a mysterious, peaceful space with pools of light on the floor. A quote appears when you step on them, and a screen above explains their context. You feel the gentleness and strength of Bruce Lee and how his influence transcends martial arts—his JKD is a way of life.

After you visit, keep the birthday celebration going with a meal at his favorite restaurant, Tai Tung, and then honor him at his gravesite at Lake View Cemetery. The Wing Luke also hosts a walking tour of Bruce Lee’s life on Saturday, November 25th.