the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver’s Historic Chinatown
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Chinese Canadian Museum is the first museum in Canada dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Chinese Canadians. Situated in the historic Wing Sang Building, this thoughtfully curated cultural space brings to life the contributions, challenges, and resilience of Chinese communities throughout Canada’s history.
If you’re exploring Chinatown, this museum is a must-visit. Rich in storytelling and artifacts, it offers an eye-opening experience. The place is filled with interactive exhibits and personal narratives that are both moving and educational.
For full details about the museum, visit chinesecanadianmuseum.ca.
Where is the Chinese Canadian Museum?
The museum is located at 51 East Pender Street in the Wing Sang Building, the oldest surviving structure in Vancouver’s Chinatown. It’s just a short walk from other top attractions, including the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Originally launched in a temporary space in 2020, the museum moved into the Wing Sang Building in the summer of 2023, a location rich in its own cultural and architectural significance.
What to See at the Museum
Spread over three floors (all fully wheelchair accessible), the Chinese Canadian Museum features a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, making return visits worthwhile. Highlights of the museum include the following:
- Chinese Migration Stories – Learn about early immigration journeys and the identity documents Chinese Canadians were once required to carry.
- 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act – Discover the impact of one of Canada’s most discriminatory laws.
- Period Rooms – Step into a re-creation of a well-to-do Chinese Canadian living room from the 1930s. You can also explore a historic schoolroom from the building’s past.
- Documentary Films – Watch short films that explore personal stories and cultural milestones.
Recent new additions to the museum include a rooftop garden, educational space and gift shop. There is also a military history exhibition honoring Chinese Canadian service members.
A National First: A Museum Dedicated to Chinese Canadian History
Opened at its permanent location on July 1, 2023 (Canada Day), the Chinese Canadian Museum is a landmark cultural institution. It showcases the rich heritage of Chinese Canadians — their migration stories and achievements. The museum also describes the community’s struggles, including the head tax, discriminatory immigration laws, and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923.
Through its evolving exhibits and engaging multimedia displays, the museum honours the legacy of those who helped build Vancouver, BC, and Canada, while fostering understanding for future generations.
To book your visit, and for full details, visit the Chinese Canadian Museum‘s website.
Other Information
In summary, Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian Museum celebrates the history, contributions, and resilience of Chinese Canadians. It features exhibits that highlight stories of migration, community and cultural heritage. Through artifacts, multimedia displays, and personal narratives, the museum offers a powerful look at over 150 years of Chinese Canadian experience and its lasting impact on British Columbia and beyond.
For current exhibit details, hours, guided tour times and more, visit the museum’s official website at chinesecanadianmuseum.ca.
Another museum in the city that’s worth checking out is the Vancouver Maritime Museum.