Living in B.C., we often take the diverse multicultural backdrop we’re privileged to experience for granted.
Luckily, Doors Open Richmond, taking place on June 8 and 9, is inviting visitors and residents alike to indulge in an authentic behind-the-scenes look at over 40 different heritage sites, cultural organizations and businesses across the city, offering unique insights into the colourful collection of cultures right here in our own backyard.
No frequent flyer miles or transatlantic travel necessary — just good old-fashioned food, facts and can’t-miss family fun!
Where culture meets community
Did you know that Richmond has over 180 different ethnic or cultural origins? According to the 2021 Census, only 35.4% of Richmond residents were Canadian by birth, with a majority 60.3% being immigrants and the remaining 4.3% non-permanent residents.
This combination of cultures further proves that one of the biggest draws to and appeals of Richmond is its delightful diversity, an element it fully embraces and celebrates.
Commemorating its 17th year, Doors Open Richmond offers a chance to meet the people who make the city unique. For residents, it offers an ideal occasion to learn something new about your neighbours and explore different areas you may not commonly frequent, with participating sites located across Richmond.
For visitors, it presents the perfect affordable day-trip opportunity, with all participating cultural sites providing free access and entry.
Since launching in 2008, over 250,000 visitors have explored Richmond’s most popular museums, faith-based institutions, cultural organizations, food and beverage establishments, civic centres and much more.
“Richmond is a city of diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences,” says Bilan Hassan, chair of the Richmond Museum Society, the presenting organization. “Doors Open brings that diversity to life by allowing us to meet the people who make our community so special. From the civic workers who keep our city humming, to the artists who enrich our lives, this event offers a personal touch that can change the way we see our neighbours and the world around us.”
Family-friendly activities in Richmond
With a focus on immersive and interactive education, Doors Open Richmond offers an enriching and entertaining event for families.
Highlights include the Richmond Olympic Oval, where sports enthusiasts of all ages can tour the facilities and the interactive museum that is the first of its kind in North America. Indulge your creative side at the Steveston Japanese Language School, where families can create their own unique paper craft.
Travel back in time and experience what life was like for a farm family in the late 1800s to early 1900s at London Farm and witness history come to life through displays of authentic artifacts in the farmhouse and on-site.
On the lookout for a place for the little ones? The Richmond Family Place Society has two playrooms and a well-equipped outdoor play space, providing an enriched early learning environment with activities featuring learning materials, outdoor play equipment and gardening in the outside vegetable garden beds.
A fusion of flavours
Exploring the city and expanding your mind will have you working up a healthy appetite. We can all agree that one of the most significant benefits of Richmond’s multicultural population fills our hearts and our stomachs — the food!
Doors Open Richmond takes this culinary appreciation and turns it up to 10, offering highlights such as the Turkish-Canadian Society of Vancouver, where visitors can sample savoury
Turkish cuisine and practice traditional crafts. Also, at the Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko, guests are invited to experience Ukrainian culture and try delicious Ukrainian dishes.
All this and more await you at this year’s Doors Open Richmond!
See the full list of sites and start planning your outing today by visiting richmondmuseum.ca/doors-open.
