What is the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco known for?

It is the oldest Asian American arts organization in the United States and a prominent cultural arts institution dedicated to uplifting artists and communities to create a just future.

The center is located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, inside the Hilton hotel across from Portsmouth Square, between Chinatown and the Financial District. The office is specifically at 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor Mezzanine.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public access from the pedestrian bridge is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during special events. The Him Mark Lai Learning Center and Design Store at 667 Grant Ave are open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What is the history of the center?

Founded in 1965 during the civil rights movement as a response to racism and displacement, the center serves as the operations center for the Chinese Culture Foundation. It has worked for over 60 years to transform Chinatown through the arts.

Is there a shop I can visit?

Yes, the CCC Design Store is located at 667 Grant Ave and showcases contemporary work from makers, craftspeople, artists, and designers.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco in San Francisco

Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco

The oldest Asian American arts organization in the United States, this community-based nonprofit provides a bridge between Chinatown and the Financial District through contemporary art and cultural programming.

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What to know

The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco is a community-based nonprofit that serves as a vital cultural hub. Founded in 1965 during the civil rights movement, the center emerged as a response to racism and displacement, aiming to uplift artists and communities to create a just future. It is recognized as the oldest Asian American arts organization in the United States, pioneering the introduction of Chinese culture to the American public through exhibitions and public programming. Located strategically between Chinatown and the Financial District, the center operates from multiple sites. Its primary office is situated at 750 Kearny Street on the 3rd Floor Mezzanine, inside the Hilton hotel across from Portsmouth Square. This location allows the center to bridge the gap between the bustling commercial center of the city and the heart of the heart of the immigrant experience. Beyond its administrative office, the center maintains a presence across Chinatown, including locations at Ross Alley and 667 Grant Ave. At 667 Grant Ave, the center operates the Him Mark Lai Learning Center and a Design Store. The Design Store is a dynamic, multidisciplinary space that showcases contemporary work from artists, designers, makers, and craftspeople, providing a platform for contemporary Chinese-American identity. Having been at the forefront of transforming Chinatown through the arts for over 60 years, the center continues to champion the voices and rights of immigrant, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Its mission remains rooted in the the same spirit of civil rights that sparked its inception in 1965.

Visitor tips

Visit the Design Store at 667 Grant Ave, open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If visiting the main office at 750 Kearny Street, note that it is located on the 3rd Floor Mezzanine of the Hilton hotel.
Check for special events when using the pedestrian bridge access, which is available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nearby context

The center is located in San Francisco's Chinatown, positioned between the high-rises of the Financial District and the historic Portsmouth Square, providing a cultural bridge between two distinct neighborhoods.

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