Manhattan Chinatown is transforming rapidly. While most tours of Chinatown focus exclusively on its history, this one examines its present condition. Through a curated tour of architectural signage and the spaces they advertise, this tour will reveal and question the often unspoken dynamics of neighborhood change in Chinatown.
For example, what messages do Japanese storefronts in Chinatown communicate about contemporary Asian-American culture? How is historical Chinese signage used to market to both European tourists and the NYC art elite alike? How do American-born Chinese express their identity in Chinatown? What exactly is Dimes Square, and what do its aesthetics say about the current cultural moment? Who is Chinatown for? Can Chinatown be for everybody?
Accessibility
The tour is about 1.3 miles long, but participants are welcome to leave or join at their leisure. A few of the streets in Chinatown are narrow and may not be easily navigated in a wheelchair, but most of the tour will be on wider, more accessible sidewalks. There are several CitiBike stations and subway stops near the start and endpoint of the tour.
Location Information
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.
guided
Saturday, May 4, 20241:00 PM
90 minutes
Borough: Manhattan
Theme: Art & Architecture, History & Culture
Language: English
