Those wishing to learn more about Richmond's diverse culture will get to do it for free at the 17th annual Doors Open Richmond event next month.
On June 8 and 9, more than 40 museums, organizations and businesses will open their doors and offer unique experiences for community members to promote the city's cultural diversity.
Doors Open Richmond, presented by the Richmond Museum, is B.C.'s longest-running Doors Open event.
Highlights include Turkish cuisine sampling and traditional crafts at the Turkish-Canadian Society of Vancouver, unique paper crafts at the Steveston Japanese Language School and a tour of the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Former Richmond city councillor Harold Steves will also be opening his private museum on Steves Farm to the public, which features oil paintings of Richmond's early days and a recreation of the Hong Wo store, Richmond's first "superstore."
New to the roster this year are seven participants including Peisen Ding, the Branscombe House artist-in-residence, Richmond Public Works and the Richmond Recycling Depot.
As well, bus tours of No. 5 Road, also known as the "Highway to Heaven" will be offered throughout the weekend, stopping at Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre, Lingyen Mountain Temple, Richmond Jamia Masjid and the Vedic Cultural Centre. The Vedic Cultural Centre will only be open on June 9.
During the weekend, community members can also check out videos at the Richmond Cultural Centre Performance Hall and online by various participants, such as Richmond Public Works' video about the city's pump stations and Sudnya Dance Academy's introduction to Bharatanatyam, India's oldest classic dance form now used to express stories of Hindu mythology.
Most programs are drop-in but some will require advance registration. For a full list of activities, visit richmondmuseum.ca/doors-open.
With files from Daisy Xiong.
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