Odysseys and Migration exhibition opens at the Royal BC Museum

Delve into the unique migration journeys that have shaped Chinese Canadian experiences and identities with Odysseys and Migration, on now through May 3, 2026, at the Royal BC Museum. 

Produced by the Chinese Canadian Museum, Odysseys and Migration spans the 18th century to present day, from Hong Kong to Vancouver to South Africa and Singapore, following the global migration of the Chinese population and the integral role they play in shaping Canada’s history. 

“We are honoured to host such an important and culturally significant exhibition,” says Tracey Drake, CEO of the Royal BC Museum. “Odysseys and Migration examines Chinese-Indigenous relations going back to 1788 and the ongoing impact those interactions have to this day. These waves of migration played an integral role in shaping Chinese Canadian history and today’s unique cultural identity”.

Through artifacts, photographs and interactive drawers, discover how historical movements, from early Chinese-Indigenous relations to waves of migration from Asia to Canada through the 20th and 21st centuries, reflect themes of belonging, identity and the enduring strength of Chinese diaspora communities in Canada.

Curated by Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum, and Sarah Ling, Exhibitions and Collections manager, Odysseys and Migration was developed for the opening of the Chinese Canadian Museum in Vancouver in July 2023. The Royal BC Museum is the first location to host the exhibition outside of the Chinese Canadian Museum.

“Odysseys and Migration traces the journey of Chinese settlers who arrived in Canada from across Asia and established deep roots on this land,” says Lee. “The Chinese Canadian story begins earlier than many realize—dating back to the late 1700s, well before the gold rush—and includes early relationships with Indigenous communities. These beginnings laid the foundation for a rich and enduring cultural legacy, shaping generations of Chinese immigrants and leaving a lasting imprint on Canada’s history.”

“This is an important step in sharing Chinese Canadian history,” says Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “From the opening of the first Chinese Canadian Museum in July 2023 to the first time this exhibit has travelled outside the museum that curated it, it’s deeply meaningful to see Odysseys and Migration now on display at the Royal BC Museum. The exhibit gives more people the opportunity to learn about the journeys of Chinese migrants to Canada and how those journeys helped shape the country we know today.” 

To learn more about the global origins of Chinese Canadians, join printmaker, artist and illustrator Marlene Yuen for Books, Zines, Prints and Site-Specific Works, part of the By Design speaker series, April 25 at the Royal BC Museum. Yuen’s commissioned mural “The Journeys Here”, featured in the Odysseys and Migration exhibition, uses bold colours and evocative imagery to portray the challenges and triumphs of Chinese Canadians—expressed through symbolic belongings, meaningful places, and cultural motifs.

For more details on this event, check the Royal BC Museum’s event calendar.

The Odysseys and Migration touring exhibition is funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage. 

Visit the Royal BC Museum Flickr page for images from the exhibition for print and online use: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8EJP. 

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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC Archives, IMAX® Victoria and PARC Campus, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia through collections, exhibitions, outreach and community engagement. The museum celebrates the province’s diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers. 

The Royal BC Museum is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations. We acknowledge and respect the history of Indigenous peoples, who are our partners in museum matters and community alike. 

For tickets to IMAX® Victoria and the Royal BC Museum, including combo tickets for both attractions, visit: Tickets 

For information about visiting the Royal BC Museum, visit: Plan Your Visit 

About the Chinese Canadian Museum | chinesecanadianmuseum.ca 

The Chinese Canadian Museum Society of British Columbia is an independent, non-profit charitable organization founded in March 2020 to create a museum honouring and sharing Chinese Canadian history, contributions, and living heritage. Guided by its mission statement “Connecting to Chinese Canadian stories – addressing inclusion for all”, the Chinese Canadian Museum aspires to provide an invigorating and transformative experience for present and future generations through its exhibitions and educational programming throughout B.C. and Canada. 

The first of its kind in Canada, the Chinese Canadian Museum opened to the public in 2023 and is located in the historic Wing Sang Building in Vancouver Chinatown.

Instagram: @ccmuseumbc  Facebook: @ChineseCanadianMuseum Linkedin: @ChineseCanadianMuseum 

Media contact:
Jamie Toth
Corporate Communications Manager
250-920-9097
news@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca