Museum of Chinese in America: A Guide to SoHo’s Hidden Gem

TLDR: The Chinese American Museum in New York City is a compact yet powerful place, offering a window into the often-overlooked stories and contributions of Chinese Americans, set within a vibrant and historically rich neighborhood.

New York City overwhelms you with museum choices, but walking down Centre Street, you might miss one of the most poignant ones.

After spending time exploring the intersection of SoHo and Chinatown, I finally stepped inside the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). It feels different from the massive institutions uptown - more personal, raw, and deeply connected to the streets outside.

Here is what I learned during my visit and what you need to know before you go.

What is the story behind Chinese American Museum?

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) started as a mission to save stories. Back in 1980, it was known as the "New York Chinatown History Project," founded by a historian and an activist who saw memories and experiences of older Chinese Americans fading away. Imagine them sifting through forgotten items, sometimes even rescuing artifacts from dumpsters, understanding their worth before anyone else did.

Its main exhibit, "With a Single Step," walks you through over 200 years of resilience, from early arrivals to wartime service. You can even step into a re-created historic shop or try a replica of the Citizenship Exam early immigrants faced. This museum challenges old ideas, showing the varied contributions of Chinese Americans and connecting their narrative to the larger American story. A fire in 2020 almost destroyed 85,000 artifacts, but community support brought it back, proving its deep importance.

Where is the Chinese museum located?

This museum, an integral part of that story, sits right on the edge of Manhattan's Chinatown, Little Italy, and SoHo neighborhoods. You'll find MOCA at 215 Centre Street, between Howard and Grand.

The building itself, a 12,500-square-foot space designed by the respected Chinese-American architect Maya Lin, immediately catches your eye with its distinctive facade of wood, concrete, and bronze. It feels both modern and rooted in its surroundings.

Inside, this compact space holds a surprisingly vast collection – over 85,000 artifacts, photographs, and personal histories. These items, carefully collected over the years, illuminate more than two centuries of the Chinese American experience within those walls.

Does Chinatown still exist in New York?

Stepping out from the museum's doors, you'll immediately feel the pulse of one of New York City's most vibrant communities. Yes, Manhattan's Chinatown absolutely thrives. It's not just a historical landmark; it’s a living, breathing neighborhood, one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. As you wander its streets, you'll hear different languages, catch the scent of fresh dim sum, and see locals going about their daily lives.

Take a stroll down Mott Street, where the community first took root in the 1870s, or peek around the unique curve of Doyers Street, once known for its dramatic history. For a taste of tradition, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been serving dim sum since 1920. You might even spot residents practicing tai chi or playing games in Columbus Park. Beyond Manhattan, New York City boasts other significant Chinese communities in Flushing, Queens, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, each offering its own flavor.

How many Chinese Americans are in NYC?

The thriving energy you feel in Chinatown is directly linked to New York City's substantial Chinese American population. With an estimated 628,200 residents in 2023, it’s the largest ethnic Chinese population in any city outside of Asia. This significant community shapes the city’s diverse cultural fabric, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

For a traveler, this means abundant opportunities to experience authentic Chinese culture far beyond just the museum's exhibits. The city isn't just home to the iconic Manhattan Chinatown; you'll find other large, vibrant communities in Brooklyn and Queens. These areas offer countless traditional restaurants, unique shops, and cultural festivals throughout the year. It’s a chance to truly immerse yourself and see how deeply Chinese American heritage is woven into New York's identity.

Which state has the most Chinese in the USA?

While New York City hosts an enormous Chinese American population, broadening our view across the United States reveals California as the state with the highest numbers. Around 1.8 million Chinese residents call California home, accounting for about 35% of the nation's total. This creates rich cultural landscapes, particularly in places like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where you can explore historic Chinatowns, enjoy authentic food, and witness traditional celebrations.

New York state ranks second, with about 760,000 Chinese residents. So, while New York City is incredibly important, California holds the top spot nationally. Interestingly, if you consider concentration rather than sheer numbers, Hawaii actually has the highest proportion of Chinese Americans relative to its overall population. These states offer varied chances to engage with Chinese American history and contemporary life.

Which museum has the most Chinese artifacts?

It’s important to clarify that while New York’s Chinese American Museum provides a deeply personal look into the Chinese American experience, it’s not designed to house the broadest collection of historical Chinese artifacts. If you’re imagining vast numbers of ancient treasures, you’d need to look much further afield. The National Museum of China in Beijing, for instance, claims over a million artifacts spanning nearly 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

However, the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, is widely celebrated for its unparalleled collection of Chinese imperial art. It holds approximately 700,000 pieces, many carefully moved from Beijing's Forbidden City during historical turmoil. They rotate their exhibits so frequently that you could visit many times and still see new things. These institutions focus on dynastic history and imperial art, a different scope from MOCA’s specific focus on the Chinese American journey.

Is it worth visiting Chinese American Museum?

Visiting MOCA offers a focused and often moving journey into the Chinese American experience. Its permanent exhibit, "With a Single Step," genuinely presents over 200 years of history through personal items, photos, and multimedia. The design by Maya Lin creates a pleasant, airy atmosphere connecting older Chinatown vibes with modern SoHo. It’s a good spot for families too, with a children's area.

However, set your expectations. It’s a small museum, and you can comfortably explore the main exhibits in 30-45 minutes. Some temporary shows might not capture your attention as much, and parts of the permanent exhibit show their age. You should also be aware that there can be protest activity outside related to its funding and perceived role in local changes, which might impact the quiet atmosphere.

What else can I do in New York?

With MOCA's stories fresh in your mind, your exploration of SoHo doesn't have to end there. The area immediately around the museum is brimming with experiences.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Dive deeper into Historic Chinatown: Walk the streets MOCA describes. Explore iconic Mott Street, imagining the early settlers, or discover the unique bend of Doyers Street. Pop into local shops for unexpected finds.
• Taste the neighborhood: Chinatown is a food lover's paradise. Grab some classic dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor, serving since 1920, or enjoy light sponge cakes from Kam Hing Coffee Shop. The smells alone are an experience.
• Explore other immigrant stories: A short walk to the Lower East Side brings you to the Tenement Museum, offering a poignant look into diverse immigrant lives. You can also visit the beautifully restored Museum at Eldridge Street, which tells the story of Jewish immigrants.
• Find a moment of peace: Visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple on Canal Street, home to the largest Buddha statue in New York City, for a quiet cultural pause.
• Let an audio guide lead you: For insights into these spots and other city highlights, consider using an audio guide app. It can offer unique stories and context as you walk.