Peering into the past

Victoria Chinatown Museum Society

In early 2020, we formed the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society to honour the history, culture and contribution of Chinese Canadians. We want to tell a story, the story of how we lived and what our ancestors had to go through to get to today.

EXPERIENCE A LIVING MUSEUM

Canada’s Oldest Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada (est. 1858) and the only one in North America to retain its original 19th century streetscape. It is a place of deep history and living heritage – a vibrant community shaped by generations of Chinese Canadians.

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Volunteer with Us

Join our passionate team and help tell the inspiring stories of Victoria’s Chinatown, support our museum events, and connect with community heritage. 

Donate Now

Your gift helps us build a permanent museum celebrating Chinese Canadian pioneers, preserving stories that enrich BC’s cultural fabric now and for future generations.

Explore Exhibits

Step into our Fan Tan Alley space and discover artifacts, stories, and artifacts that bring Canada’s oldest Chinatown to life in an intimate, immersive way.

VISIT THE MUSEUM

Hours

Thursday to Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm
Summer hours: Thursday to Monday 11 am – 5 pm
Open on all Monday statutory holidays

Location

10 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria, BC V8W 1N6

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Chinatown Gates

Dollars Raised

Volunteers

board members

Staff

Awakening Chinatown 2025

The streets of Canada’s oldest Chinatown will come alive with the sights and sounds of Chinese Canadian culture once again on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from noon to 5:30 PM, when Awakening Chinatown returns for its fourth year.

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Fan Tan Alley Museum is now being operated by the VCMS

The Board of Directors of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society (VCMS) is proud to announce the temporary exhibit in Fan Tan Alley will now be a permanent museum and re-named the Victoria Chinatown Museum. VCMS has taken over operations from the Chinese Canadian Museum Society on October 1, 2024.

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ABOUT THE MUSEUM

Our Donors

The Victoria Chinatown Museum would not be possible without the generosity and vision of our donors. Your support honors the legacy of Chinese Canadian pioneers in Canada’s oldest remaining Chinatown and ensures their stories—of perseverance, culture, and community—continue to be shared and celebrated for generations to come

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Get in touch,
get involved

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re curious about our museum’s initiatives, interested in becoming a member, or eager to volunteer at upcoming events, please drop us a message below. We’re here to connect you with the stories and heritage of Chinese Canadians in Victoria.

What are you interested in?