Canada’s Sole Chinese Canadian Museum Showcases the Rich Heritage and Stories of Chinese Canadians
The journey of Chinese Canadians in Canada, which began with their arrival on Vancouver Island in 1788, has now found a home in the nation’s first and only Chinese Canadian Museum. Opened to the public on July 1st last year, this museum housed in Vancouver’s Chinatown aims to honor and preserve the often overlooked history and contributions of Chinese Canadians.
Located within the historic Wing Sang Building at 51 East Pender Street, constructed in 1889 by Chinese merchant Yip Sang, the museum delves into the lesser-known aspects of early Chinese communities in Canada, often referred to as their “hidden history.” It stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Yip Sang, who built a successful business empire and family with three wives and 23 children.
As the museum approaches its one-year milestone, visitors can explore three special exhibitions in Vancouver. “The Paper Trail to the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act” commemorates the centenary of the Act, showcasing hundreds of certificates of identification (C.I. certificates) and examining the bureaucratic hurdles faced by Chinese Canadians. “Odysseys and Migration” chronicles unique migration stories from the 18th century to the present, shedding light on Chinese-Indigenous relations and diverse migration waves. The “Period Rooms” exhibition offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Yip Sang’s family, featuring a historic school room and a recreated 1930s living room.
Beyond exhibitions, the museum hosts various events and programming throughout the year, including a temporary exhibition in Victoria’s Fan Tan Alley.
Visitors to the Chinese Canadian Museum can expect an immersive and interactive experience, aimed at fostering a deeper connection to Chinese culture and history. Through exploration of exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to reflect on their own personal connections to people and places of the past.
Whether you reside in British Columbia or plan to visit this summer, a visit to the Chinese Canadian Museum promises to unveil some of Canada’s hidden historical treasures.