School is back in session, and students across North America have a new way to explore Vancouver’s Chinatown. Earlier this year, the Chinese Canadian Museum partnered with BMO to launch the BMO Campus Culture Pass, giving post-secondary students unlimited access to the museum for just $5 a year.
Backed by a $170,000 gift from BMO over two years, the program aims to make cultural learning more affordable and accessible for younger generations while bringing new energy into Chinatown.
A Gateway to Culture for Students
Students can purchase an annual museum pass, usually priced at $25, for only $5. The pass includes:
- Unlimited admission to the museum’s exhibitions
- Discounts at the new 1889 Trading Co. museum store
- Special event tickets and exclusive student-focused programming
That programming will include artist talks, workshops, and networking opportunities designed specifically for students.
“This partnership with BMO helps us open our doors even wider to the next generation of learners,” said Dr. Melissa Karmen Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum. “The BMO Campus Culture Pass strengthens our commitment to accessibility and ensures that students can see themselves reflected in our stories while connecting academic learning with lived cultural experience.”
Honouring Community Connections
The collaboration also reflects BMO’s own ties to Chinatown. “Chinese Canadian culture has been a meaningful part of BMO’s history since the opening of our Vancouver Chinatown branch in December 1918,” said James Kitamura, Regional President Personal Banking, BC Region, BMO.
“Supporting access to programs and organizations that empower learning and celebration of culture, like they do at the Chinese Canadian Museum, enriches the cultural fabric of our community and helps build a more inclusive society.”
A Growing Role for the Museum
Housed in the historic Wing Sang Building, the Chinese Canadian Museum has become one of Vancouver’s most important cultural destinations since opening in 2023. Beyond showcasing exhibitions, the museum has positioned itself as a hub for education and research.
As the museum approaches its second anniversary, initiatives like the BMO Campus Culture Pass underscore its mission to connect history, heritage, and contemporary culture for all generations.
How to Get the Pass
The $5 Campus Culture Pass is available to all North American post-secondary students. For more information on exhibitions and passes, visit ChineseCanadianMuseum.ca.
