Doors Open Richmond is organized by the Richmond Museum Society and the museum will welcome event attendees. The Kehila Society will be participating as an online site. (photo from Richmond Museum)
The Richmond Museum’s 15th annual Doors Open Richmond (DOR) returns next month as a free hybrid event. All in-person activities will take place June 4-5, and will be complemented by virtual content available June 2-5. This year’s edition features 35 sites representing the city’s cultural diversity and rich heritage, including 21 that will welcome visitors in-person. There are five new sites that are participating in DOR for the first time, including the Kehila Society of Richmond.
“This is the first year that the Jewish community of Richmond has been involved and for us it is a milestone to be included,” said Lynne Fader, co-executive director of the Kehila Society, which has been in operation since 1999. “Richmond has the second largest Jewish population in B.C. and yet sometimes we are a hidden gem in this city. Kehila has worked hard to bring the Jewish community to the forefront and increase awareness of our culture. To be included in such a diverse cultural event that showcases all the multi-ethnic groups in our community is an honour.”
The Kehila Society will be participating as an online site. The Doors Open Richmond team has worked closely with the society to produce a video that introduces the organization. The video will be available to view from June 2 on the event website, richmondmuseum.ca/ doors-open.
“Richmond is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with more than 60% of residents born outside of the country,” said Jaeden Dela Torre, vice-chair of the Richmond Museum Society. “Doors Open Richmond is a chance to celebrate this diversity and a way to bring together the many communities that comprise the city. The event offers the public an inclusive platform to become more familiar with our local businesses, organizations, museums, places of worship, and more. Doors Open Richmond celebrates the very essence that makes this city a welcoming place to live.”
The in-person program offers visitors a range of activities. Saint Germain Bakery, another of the new sites this year, will give tours of their central facility where cakes and pastries are produced; tours will conclude with sample tastings. Richmond Media Lab will show how to bring drawings and figurines to life using the magic of stop-motion technology. Visitors can experience a day in the life of a firefighter at Fire Hall #1, Richmond’s largest and busiest fire hall, with hands-on activities and demonstrations. Family-run restaurant Anar Persian Cuisine will offer an introduction to Persian food, customs and traditions.
A special shuttle tour will be available on June 4, taking visitors to various places of worship along No. 5 Road, also known as the “Highway to Heaven.” The tour will stop at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre, Lingyen Mountain Temple and the Richmond Jamia Mosque.
Among the many other participants are Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond City Hall, Richmond Public Library, Richmond RCMP, Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia, London Farm Heritage Site, Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple, Richmond Olympic Experience and SUCCESS Richmond Service Centre.
The local event is part of the Doors Open Canada program supported by the City of Richmond, Public Art Richmond, Richmond Heritage Commission, the B.C. Arts Council, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. The event is organized by the Richmond Museum Society.
Most in-person programs require advance registration, with a select number of sites offering drop-in activities. Visitors can plan their weekend in advance by visiting richmondmuseum.ca/doors-open for more information.
– Courtesy Doors Open Richmond