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Richmond, a city known for its vibrant cultural diversity, is gearing up for the highly anticipated annual Doors Open Richmond (DOR) event.
Credit: Doors Open Richmond
The Richmond Museum Society organised event will take place on June 8 & 9, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore more than 40 cultural places and civic services throughout the city.
Doors Open Richmond is not just an event; it is a celebration of Richmond’s rich cultural heritage and an occasion for individuals to delve into the intriguing narratives and notable landmarks that define the city.
Performance Hall at Richmond Cultural Centre will showcase a series of short films showcasing local cultures, communities, and unique places.
This year’s Doors Open Richmond will feature a wide range of activities and guided tours that showcase the city’s diversity and civic services, providing unique experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Here are some highlights:
- 12 Service Battalion Museum & 39 Service Battalion: Meet the dedicated volunteers who support the local army reserve’s supply and maintenance needs. Visitors can enjoy insightful commentary on museum displays and observe various Army Reserve activities.
- BC Ambulance Services: Tour a functioning ambulance station and get hands-on experience with the tools and equipment used by paramedics. This is a unique opportunity to understand the daily workflow of those who deliver critical patient care.
- Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site: Explore the Richmond Boatbuilders Building and learn about the historical significance of the West Coast fishing and boatbuilding industry. This site offers a glimpse into Steveston’s past, where canneries, boatyards, and residences once thrived.
- London Farm: Stroll through heritage gardens and view outdoor agricultural exhibits that offer a taste of century-old farming life. This four-acre historic site tells the story of farming in Steveston.
- Richmond Museum: Participate in the Richmond Kids exhibition featuring frog-themed crafts, games, and activities. Join Musqueam weaver Vivian Mearns Notaro in creating twined cedar bark bracelets while learning about the cultural significance of cedar bark.
- Steveston Tram: Experience early transportation in Richmond by climbing aboard Tram Car 1220. Engage with tram restoration volunteers and enjoy activities like railway spike restoration and a scavenger hunt for kids.
Pre-registration is required for some sites and activities.
To ensure accessibility, Doors Open Richmond has made wheelchair—and walker-friendly bus tours available, as well as guides who speak Cantonese or Mandarin at certain sites.
Doors Open Richmond
The event, established in 2008, has become the longest-running Doors Open event in British Columbia. This free, in-person event invites residents and visitors to explore 39 diverse cultural places and civic services of Richmond.
When: June 8 & 9, 2024
Where: 40+ sites in Richmond
How Much: Free
