Vitality: Unveiling the Hidden Stories Behind Vancouver’s Chinatown
Step into the vibrant streets of Vancouver’s Chinatown through the lens of legendary photographer Fred Herzog, and discover the untold stories that shaped this significant neighbourhood. The Chinatown Storytelling Centre’s immersive exhibition, Vitality: Iconic Images, Hidden Stories, is a must-visit experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of this historic community.
From April 11, 2025, to December 31, 2025, the exhibition will bring together a striking selection of Herzog’s photographs, capturing daily life in Chinatown, Strathcona, and along historic Hastings St. from the 1950s to 1970s. What makes this exhibition truly unique is the way it pairs each photograph with personal and historical narratives uncovered by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, adding new layers of meaning to Herzog’s iconic images.
As you wander through the exhibition, you’ll be able to scan QR codes to hear firsthand reflections that bring these moments to life. These stories, gathered through interviews and archival research, offer a nuanced view of the community’s resilience, creativity, and cultural vibrancy. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the people, businesses, and cultural landmarks that made Chinatown thrive.
The exhibition is not just about the past; it’s also about the present and future. By capturing the vitality of the community during its heyday, Vitality serves as a powerful reminder of what these neighbourhoods once were—and what they can become again. This message of hope and renewal is at the heart of the exhibition, making it a compelling experience for anyone interested in the history and evolution of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
The Vitality book, authored by Carol Lee, Susanna Ng, and Ramona Mar, is a stunning companion to the exhibition. Featuring full-colour photographs and stories gathered through interviews, archival photos, and historical insights, the book is a treasure trove of information about Chinatown’s communities, businesses, and cultural landmarks. With forewords by Douglas Coupland and Paul Yee, the book offers a unique perspective on the neighborhood’s history and evolution.
As part of the 2025 Capture Photography Festival, a captivating collection of Herzog’s iconic photographs will be showcased in a cutting-edge public art installation. From April 1 to 30, 2025, the installation, titled “Chinatown in Focus: Fred Herzog In and Around Chinatown,” will be displayed daily from dusk until 11 pm. This outdoor projection is a rare opportunity to experience Herzog’s work in a new and innovative way.
To enhance your experience, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre has partnered with select restaurants to offer exclusive dining promotions. Enjoy a meal at Chinatown BBQ, DD Mau, House of India, Juke Fried Chicken, M!LA, Pizza Coming Soon, or Virtuous Pie, and get 10% off all Foo Hung Curios merchandise, including the Vitality book, with your exhibition ticket.
Admission to the exhibition is just $10, with all proceeds supporting the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s mission to revitalize Chinatown. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the hidden stories behind Vancouver’s Chinatown. Visit the Vitality exhibition and discover the vitality, creativity, and resilience of this vibrant community.
