How Well Do You Know Your Chinatown?

A travelling exhibition produced by the MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises

The MEM’s new travelling exhibition How Well Do You Know Your Chinatown? is the result of projects carried out with members of Montréal’s Chinatown. Drawing on their voices, the exhibition contextualizes the area and highlights the memories of those who built it and have made it their home. It also invites you to re-examine what you know about Chinatown.

The exhibition was made possible by an agreement between the City of Montréal and the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration as part of the Dialogue with Chinatown project.

Interested in hosting the exhibition?

Adapted to the many clienteles of the cultural venues and libraries of Greater Montréal, the exhibition answers specific questions about the history of Chinatown and Chinese immigration while also exploring broader issues. It is displayed on six freestanding themed modules and an interpretive table with maps of the area. Several modules focus on the concept of place, and others on identity. They are easily integrated into any kind of venue.

The history and identity of Chinatown are revealed through its buildings, its heritage, the cherished memories of its residents, and the struggles of those who have fought for its preservation.

Discoveries—and rediscoveries—guaranteed!

Available for loan from November 20, 2023, the exhibition offers a flexible format that can be adapted to any context. This ready-to-display exhibition consists of six freestanding modules and one interpretative table. A mediation activity guided by a member of the MEM team is available for groups of fifteen to twenty-five. It invites participants to engage with the life stories and content presented in the exhibition.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enrich your programming with this captivating experience! Book now to present How Well Do You Know Your Chinatown? at your library or cultural centre and take your visitors on a thought-provoking and dynamic journey through the streets and memories of this iconic Montréal neighbourhood.

Exhibition features at a glance

• 6 freestanding exhibition modules (can also be wall-mounted)
• 1 interpretive table
• Open, non-linear path: the exhibition modules can be configured in any way in your space
• Bilingual texts (French and Chinese)

Module contents

• Introduction (1)
• Place
• A historic district (2)
• An evolving neighbourhood (3)
• Places of convergence (4)
• Identity
• Citizen engagement (5)
• Local flavours (6)
• Table: Chinatown, a territory

Fees

The exhibition is available free of charge.

The host venue is responsible only for transportation costs and the cost of a technician to install and dismantle the exhibition. A MEM technician will be on hand during installation and dismantling.