The Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is a multi-use facility in Burnaby. As the name suggests, it houses a museum and a cultural centre for the Japanese-Canadian community. It is also home to a seniors housing facility, a Japanese garden and a restaurant. This multi-purpose building was designed by renowned architects Raymond and Jason Moriyama. It has underground parking and is easily accessible from the ring road. In addition to the usual amenities, the complex also hosts several interesting events. If you are a fan of Japanese culture, this place should be on your list of places to visit.
While you are there, you might as well check out the small park in front of the building. There are some interesting displays and artifacts on display, and you can take a tour of the grounds and facilities. Of course, you may want to book a guided tour, as it can get crowded.
What really sets the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Center apart from other similar institutions is its unique approach to serving the community. Rather than relying on traditional corporate sponsorship, the museum is run primarily by volunteers. They have a number of interesting programs and opportunities to offer, such as the opportunity to be a part of the museum’s Advisory Council. Not to mention the many volunteer positions available to those interested.
The Nikkei Centre is a worthwhile venture for the Japanese-Canadian community, as it is a hub for the arts and other cultural activities. Some of these include the Sakura Days Japan Fair in April and the cherry-blossom spring event in May. The building itself is a pleasant place to spend a few hours. At the time of my visit, the place was bustling with a mix of people dressed in traditional garb and tourists. The atrium is beautiful, and the ol’ fashioned Japanese koi pond provides a nice little touch of serenity.
The Japanese Canadian museum is also worth a look, particularly the impressive new exhibit. This displays some interesting artifacts and photos, and you can learn a lot about the history of Japan and its influence on Canadian society. One of the perks of living in a metropolitan area is being able to visit such places, as most of them are close by. Whether you are interested in learning about the history of Japanese culture in Canada or simply looking to spend a relaxing afternoon, the Nikkei Centre should be on your list of must-see places. You can find more information on the institution at the Nikkei website. From the museum’s website, it is clear that the organisation is a community based organization, and as such, it is open to all.
