Arts, Culture, & History in Richmond, BC

Museum and Historic Sites

FISHING
Discover Richmond’s dynamic and fascinating roots. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site was once BC’s biggest salmon cannery. Now it’s an interactive museum presenting the history of the West Coast fishing industry. A short, scenic walk away, you’ll find the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, which invites visitors to experience what life was like for Steveston’s multicultural workers in Steveston’s a century ago.

URBAN
At the Richmond Cultural Centre, you’ll find the Richmond Museum, featuring detailed artifacts from the region’s early history and free self-guided walking tours. The Steveston Museum details Steveston’s Japanese Canadian community’s triumphs and struggles. Climb onto the Steveston Tram to see the beautiful restoration work volunteers have done to restore this important artifact.

FARMING
If you want to take a break from the city and relax, London Heritage Farm offers a taste of century-old farming life. It’s a four-acre historic site that recreates life in Steveston from 1880 to 1930. There’s a beautiful heritage garden, great spots to picnic, a Victorian heritage house to tour (open seasonally), and outdoor agricultural exhibits to discover.

ATHLETIC
Thanks to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Richmond is home to the Olympic Oval, where speed skating competitions took place. Inside, find the Richmond Olympic Experience, the first Olympic museum in North America, with relics from the world of international sport. Experience Olympic glory with lifelike simulations—fly off an Olympic ski jump, paddle down a raging white-water kayak course, and carve the perfect line in a sit-ski slalom race.

Art Galleries & Public Art

Richmond through the Artist’s Eye

The Richmond Art Gallery features predominantly Canadian contemporary art exhibitions of living, professional artists in various mediums. You’ll discover Metro Vancouver’s first Mirror Light Rooms Installations at Moon & Back Gallery, and Lipont Place, a multi-functional venue, offers contemporary art exhibitions and art for sale. *Lipont is by appointment-only.

Vancouver International Airport showcases Northwest Coast Native art. Two notable pieces include The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe by Bill Reid, once featured on the $20 bill and the Clayoquot Welcome Figures by Joe David. Learn more about the artwork on display at YVR here.

Much of Richmond’s urban beauty stems from its 200+ public art works. There is a self-guided walking tour to guide you. Try out many hands-on, creative exhibits during Culture Days in the fall, a Canada-wide celebration of local art and culture.

Theatre & Performing Arts

Richmond’s Stages are Set
Gateway Theatre is one of Canada’s best regional theatres with musicals, comedies, and dramas from local playwrights and global favourites. Don’t miss the Signature Series, spotlighting award-winning plays to local audiences.

On the first Wednesdays of October, November, and December, Minoru Chapel has housed world-class opera. This restored 1891 church is an intimate, striking venue. The  Richmond Orchestra & Chorus also presents various choral and instrumental performances across the city. *Note all performances on hold for now.

If you’re craving big names, check out the River Rock Show Theatre. Past headliners have included Russell Peters, Diana Ross, Blondie, and Engelbert Humperdinck, just to name a few. *Currently closed. Check their website for updates.

Cinevolution Media Arts Society promotes critical conversations through innovative film and media art. Grassroots, women-led, migrant-driven, they host accessible public programs such as film screenings, multimedia installations, and art workshops.

Spirituality

Richmond’s Spiritual Side

Richmond’s multiculturalism is reflected in its wealth of places of worship. No. 5 Road in East Richmond is known as the Highway to Heaven because of its concentration of 20+ places of worship, sometimes adjacent to one another.

Ornate temples and mosques yield to modest churches, all coexisting in harmony. And true to Richmond’s multiculturalism, services are delivered in a range of languages, including English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Hindi, and Punjabi.

The International Buddhist Temple is the second-largest Buddhist temple in North America. Don’t miss its golden statues, ornamental fountains, and beautiful gardens—perfect for a quiet escape from the city.

Please respect and follow religious customs when visiting. Be sure to plan ahead by checking times and protocols. Many host events and classes, like meditation classes, so make sure to check their websites for times and dates.