Rare Free “Empress of China” Open House: Art, Stories + Lion Dance (Chinatown)
The Empress of China | 838 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
Event Details
Saturday, September 12, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Program to start at 1pm)
We invite you to bring your memories and imaginations for a joyous Community Open House at the historic Empress of China!
CMAC was founded on the conviction that Chinatown has the agency to tell its own stories, and the community stewardship of the Empress of China building (838 Grant Ave) marks a vital step forward. Built in 1966, this historic landmark has long held the collective memories and celebrations of generations of local families. In 2026, CMAC returned the building to community ownership, and it is now evolving into a space for creativity, belonging, and San Francisco’s future.
Come celebrate, experience art, share stories, and help shape Grant Avenue into a vibrant cultural constellation.
— Program Highlights —
*Dream With Us*
– This is the first of many community engagement events in CMAC’s planning process to reimagine the Empress and arts and culture in Chinatown.
– Come contribute to the collective memory of the space, meet the community, and share your ideas to shape the future of San Francisco.
*The Living Room*
– Explore the transformed first floor layout by Summer Mei Ling Lee, featuring dedicated spaces for connection alongside curated activations.
– Archival Project & Community Art: Archival projections by Lenore Chinn, Anna Eng, and Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). Community photography project by Stephan Xie.
– Art & Wellness: RAMS, Inc. clinicians and artist Caryl Kientz of Shadow Light Productions, featuring hands-on shadow puppets.
– Blessings and Performances: Mike Ballenger, First Nations Drumming, Buddhist chanting and blessing by Ven. Ta Chun Shih (Miu Kuang Temple, SF) and Ven. Yanmi Shi (Guanyin Meditation Center, Alameda), Young Woman’s Choral Projects, Lion Dance ME, musical performance by Alice Lui, and traditional couplets by Chong Shan Guan – Cultivating Benevolence Studio.
RSVP at https://www.cmacsanfrancisco.org/empress-reimagined
Presented by Chinatown Media and Arts Collaborative (CMAC)
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
