Chinatown Storytelling Centre Exhibits Iconic Photographer Fred Herzog
and Uncovers Hidden Stories in “Vitality”
Vitality marks the opening of the newly-renovated and award-winning
Chinatown Storytelling Centre the first of its kind in Canada.
Prepare to see Vancouver’s Chinatown as you’ve never seen it before. On April 11, 2025, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, with presenting sponsor Nicola Wealth, will unveil Vitality: Iconic Images, Hidden Stories, an exhibition that drops visitors into a world where resilience meets creativity, and history collides with the present.
A New Lens on Vancouver’s Chinatown
Pairing the legendary photography of Canadian Fred Herzog with untold stories of the Vancouver Chinatown community, Vitality runs through December 31, 2025.
Vitality is a sensory deep-dive into Vancouver’s Chinatown of the 1950s to 1970s—a kaleidoscope of vivid Kodachrome colors, layered with the voices of those who lived and shaped it. Herzog’s lens captured a side of Chinatown that goes beyond postcards. It’s a gritty, electric energy that vibrates through its streets, its people, and its culture.
But the untold stories are the heartbeat of this exhibit. Crafted in close collaboration with the community, Vitality unpacks what it meant to thrive in Chinatown amidst immense challenges. Together, the photos and stories amplify a central theme that ripples across generations—hope.
The Vision Behind Vitality
The idea behind this exhibit began when Equinox Gallery owner and director Andy Sylvester invited Carol Lee to curate an exhibition of Fred Herzog’s photography for the 2025 Capture Photography Festival. Lee proposed hosting a parallel exhibition at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre to explore the hidden stories behind the photographs, highlighting Chinatown’s history, drawing visitors, and supporting its revitalization.
“Herzog’s photography of Chinatown and Historic Hastings radiates a central theme: hope. That’s why showcasing this work at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre is a full circle moment for us,” said Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “These images tell a story about what two of Vancouver’s most iconic neighbourhoods were, and also what they can be again.”
Beyond the Exhibit: Companion Book, Projections and More
Herzog’s images will be projected on the outside of the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in larger-than-life images, not only bringing Chinatown’s streets to life under the night sky but also beautifying the neighborhood, improving infrastructure, and reminding the community of its vital history and future potential. The exhibit also anchors the launch of a richly illustrated companion book that will be available for purchase at Foo Hung Curios, located in the lobby of Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
“This is not your typical history exhibit,” says Chinatown Storytelling Centre Curator Ramona Mar. “With personal interviews, immersive visuals, and vibrant narratives, Vitality unearths the hidden lives behind Herzog’s celebrated images while calling for the revitalization of two of Vancouver’s most important historic neighborhoods.”
Through initiatives like Vitality, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre continues to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Chinatown, fostering partnerships with local businesses, and celebrating the neighborhood’s vibrant history and future. For more information on Vitality: Iconic Images, Hidden Stories, please visit, https://www.
Opening Weekend Perks:
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Discounted General Admission: Enjoy access to Vitality for just $10 (regular price $12.50).
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Merchandise Discounts: Opening weekend tickets also grant visitors 10% off all merchandise, including Vitality exhibit products and the beautiful companion art book.
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Dining Perks: Your ticket unlocks special offers at select Chinatown restaurants for the same night of your visit.
About the Chinatown Storytelling Centre
The Chinatown Storytelling Centre, established in 2021 by the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, is the first permanent space dedicated to documenting and celebrating the Chinese Canadian experience. Combining rich storytelling with historical artifacts, personal interviews, and interactive exhibits, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre offers an immersive exploration of Chinatown’s living history. The centre also supports community-building efforts through cultural preservation initiatives, school tours and family programming.
About the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation
The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to the revitalization of Chinatown, one of Canada’s most iconic neighbourhoods. The Foundation aims to build resilient and sustainable communities by promoting the well-being of those in need while preserving Chinatown’s irreplaceable cultural heritage. Our ongoing projects focus on creating a lasting positive impact such as affordable housing, seniors housing, and cultural and economic development. Learn more at chinatownfoundation.org.
Media release and image provided by Emily Larman, Talk Shop Media. Image: Hastings, Carrall to Columbia 1958
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