Empress Re-Imagined: Community Open House
皇后有請: 街坊開放日
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026
1pm - Ceremony and Performances
(Doors Open all day 11:00 – 4:00pm with activities)
Where: 838 Grant Avenue, San Francisco Chinatown
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.
Let’s celebrate together!
Program Highlights
Welcome to Empress
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, and meet the community!
The Living Room
Explore the transformed first floor by guest Curator 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
Wellness x Shadow Puppets: 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. Surprises by Grant Avenue Follies and Maggie Wong.
Do you have family photos at the Empress?
Artist Anna Eng is collecting personal photos for an archival project featured at the Open House. Contribute yours throughout August by contacting info@cmacsanfrancisco.org or messaging us on social media! (@CMACSanFrancisco).
Free RSVP
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