SF Chinese Culture Center, oldest of its kind in the nation, celebrates new permanent home

The San Francisco Chinese Culture Center inaugurated its new permanent facility in Chinatown, celebrating a historic achievement for the local community. Executive Director Jenny Leung remarked on the center's six-decade history of shaping cultural identity and activism. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized the center's role as a cultural anchor, asserting, "As Chinatown goes, so goes San Francisco. " The new space will include shops and multimedia exhibits, nurturing emerging artists while honoring the neighborhood's heritage. Founded during the civil rights movement, the center has fought for Chinese representation against a backdrop of exclusionary immigration policies.

The weeklong grand opening features daily celebrations reflecting various decades of activism, with a vision to transform Chinatown into a "museum without walls. " Leung noted the significance of maintaining continuity with the center's founders and archives. Supervisor Chyanne Chen expressed hope that the new center would attract tourism and educate visitors about Chinatown's rich history.