Three New Exhibits Open at the Chinese American Museum DC

Thank You, Corky Lee – The Unofficial Photographer Laureate of Asian Americans

Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon

Fashioning Identity in Qipao: The Image of Modern Women

Washington, DC - July 20, 2023 – The Chinese American Museum DC (CAMDC) has officially launched three, new special exhibits representing dramatically different topics all within the Chinese American story.

“Thank You, Corky Lee – The Unofficial Photographer Laureate of Asian Americans” is a retrospective exhibit of the late journalist-activist-photographer, Corky Lee (1947-2021), and a personal tribute featuring quotes and dialogues from the Asian American community. On display are some of Corky Lee’s most iconic images as well as rarely seen photos. Corky Lee was a beloved, self-taught photographer that documented key historical events as well as everyday life and culture across different Asian American communities. The exhibit is made possible through a grant from Panda Express.

“Bruce Lee: American Son and International Icon” commemorates the cultural superstar on the 50th anniversary of his passing revealing both his Hollywood qualities and his sensitivities as an artist, philosopher, and family man. On display are rarely seen images, personal documents, and objects from Bruce Lee and those who were influenced by his work.

“Fashioning Identity in Qipao: The Image of Modern Women” provides a visual tour of the qipao, the quintessential dress for Chinese women in the Republic Era. Its origin and history are closely intertwined with women’s quest for equality and independence during China’s rapid modernization and urbanization in the early 20th century. Its indelible influence on fashion extends to Western fashion, culture, and the arts.

David Uy, Executive Director of the museum explains, “We are thrilled to have such a wide range of subjects on display simultaneously. These exhibits satisfy three compelling parts of the Chinese American story—the social activism of Corky Lee’s photography; the artistic, humanistic, and athletic inspiration of Bruce Lee; and the cultural influence of the qipao dress.”

The museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  Visitors should check the museum’s web site, https://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org for updated hours and exhibit dates.

About The Chinese American Museum DC

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the museum advances the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the Chinese American experience, by highlighting the history, culture, spirit, and contributions of Chinese Americans to our nation and beyond. Housed in a five-story, 1907 Beaux Arts-style mansion in downtown DC, just five blocks north of the White House, the museum is the first and only destination in the Washington area dedicated to the Chinese American story. General admission to the museum is free. Web site – https://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org.

Community and Supporters Set To Elevate Chinese American Museum with 2021 Virtual Gala Hosted by Joie Chen and Richard Lui

March 25, 2021 online event features notable figures, entertainment, and honors

WASHINGTON, DC – The Chinese American Museum, the new museum about Chinese American history and culture, currently in development in Washington, DC, will hold a virtual gala event on Thursday, March 25th at 6pm-7:15pm EST (3pm-4:15pm PST) featuring veteran journalists Joie Chen and Richard Lui as co-hosts. The event is a critical fundraiser for the museum and its programs and offers a number of catered “experiences” for supporters to enjoy remotely.

The event features luminaries, visionaries, and performers in an all-star virtual program. Honorees include Ambassador Julia Chang Bloch, television journalist Connie Chung, astronaut Taylor Wang, advocate and CEO of TIME’S UP Now, Tina Tchen, the inventor of the N95 mask technology, Dr. Peter Tsai, screenwriter Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon), and Daphne Kwok, VP of Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy at AARP.

Entertainment will be provided by America’s Got Talent winner, magician Shin Lim, a cappella group, Ethnobeat, contemporary and traditional artists, including a classical guzheng player, and opera singer Huanhuan Ma. The event also features a silent auction featuring items ranging from a Chinese ancestor portrait to tropical animal adventures.

With wide support from various communities, Congressional Patrons include U.S. Representatives Judy Chu (CA), Ted Lieu (CA), and Grace Meng (NY). Diplomatic Patrons are His Excellency Ashok Mirpuri Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Koji Tomita Ambassador of Japan, and His Excellency Dato’ Azmil bin Mohd Zabidi Ambassador of Malaysia.

The event’s primary sponsors are Mei Xu, former CEO of Chesapeake Bay Candle and founder of Yes She May, and Koo and Patricia Yuen through The Yuen Foundation.

The 1882 Foundation, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, B. Lin Catering, Valley Brook Tea, and Yao Family Wines are Event Partners.

David Uy, Executive Director of the museum said, “We look forward to the day that we can have events in person, but this year’s virtual event promises to be an uplifting and meaningful time for our supporters. It’s been a tough year behind us, but the lift we are getting from the community and our peers is heartwarming and makes moving forward with our mission possible.”

Registrations will be accepted online right up until the event on March 25, 2020 at http://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org.

The Chinese American Museum Foundation is a non-profit, non-political, non-geopolitical 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to advance the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of the Chinese American experience, by highlighting the history, culture, spirit, and contributions of Chinese Americans to our nation and beyond. The Foundation, with the support of private and institutional funding, is developing the first museum dedicated to the Chinese American story in our nation’s capital.

To learn more about the Chinese American Museum visit http://www.ChineseAmericanMuseum.org.